In statements to the press at the White House, the Biden administration said that the nation´s millions of federal workers will be required to verify they´ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or else mandatory masking, weekly testing (regularly), and distancing.

The new strict guidelines are aimed at boosting sluggish vaccination rates among the 4 million citizens who draw federal paychecks, and to set an example for private employers around the country.

Biden is also urging state and local governments to use funds provided by the coronavirus relief package to incentivize vaccinations by offering $100 to individuals who get the shots.

On the other hand, Biden explained that small- and medium-sized businesses will receive reimbursements if they offer employees time off to get family members vaccinated.

The administration is encouraging businesses to follow its lead on incentivizing vaccinations by imposing burdens on the unvaccinated. Rather than mandating that federal workers receive vaccines, the plan will make life more difficult for those who are unvaccinated to encourage them to comply.

The Biden administration hoped to immunize at least 70% of adult population before the Independence Day, but it failed and only 60% of adults have already received the full dose schedule.

pgh/Pll/msm / avr