Tom Hals

(Reuters] – A number of rules and regulations that were proposed by the Biden administration to increase vaccinations against COVID-19 in America have been blocked by courts. The COVID-19 virus has already claimed 750,000 lives, and is a major economic drag on U.S. growth.

Republican state attorneys general and businesses, as well as religious groups have challenged the vaccine requirements. They claim that the administration acted outside its rights.

Separately, the courts upheld vaccination requirements that were imposed by universities, private employers and other state or local government agencies.

The following is an overview of all vaccine regulations issued by the Biden administration and their status.

WORKPLACE VACCINE/TESTING RULE

In November, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a rule requiring employers who have 100 employees or more to make sure their staff receive a positive COVID-19 or full vaccination once a week and cover their faces.

In November, a federal appeals court stopped the application of this requirement to workers over 80 million. This decision is being challenged by the U.S. government.

MANDATE FOR HEALTHCARE VACCINE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said in early November it would require COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most healthcare facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, from hospitals to home health agencies.

Over 17 million healthcare workers would be subject to this requirement. They would need to have their first shot Dec. 6, and another dose Jan. 4. The requirement was blocked nationwide by late November rulings of federal judges from Louisiana and St. Louis.

In court filings, the government indicated that it might ask a federal appels court for permission to revive CMS’s mandate.

CONTRACTOR MANDATE

The September executive order by President Joe Biden required federal contracts include provisions mandating workers be vaccinated for COVID-19. It could have a significant impact on millions of workers.

The administration was temporarily rebuffed by a Kentucky Federal Judge on November 30th.

In other states, challenges are being heard.

MANDATE OF THE FEDERAL FIREWORKERS

Biden made an executive directive in September that required federal employees to be immunized against COVID-19 no later than Nov. 22 to maintain safety and efficiency in the civil service. Federal workers were asked to comply with this order.

The order was challenged in at least 17 cases. No judge allowed a temporary block request. This is generally because the judges ruled that the government can mandate vaccinations when they are acting as employers.