The White House released a timeline for the new vaccine and testing mandate Thursday, saying employers of 100 or more people will have until Jan. 4 to implement the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Employees of these larger companies will either have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to tests for the virus weekly and wear a face mask at work. Notably, the mandate requires employers to pay for the time off needed to be vaccinated, but doesn’t require them to pay for the testing or masks (though other laws or union rules may.) Previously announced vaccination requirements for health care providers and federal employees and contractors—rules that have no testing opt-out—will also take effect on Jan. 4, the White House said, changing the deadline from December for contractors and November for federal employees. Have a question, comment, or story to share? You can reach Diccon at dhyatt@thebalance.com.
