Tom Hals

(Reuters] – A number of regulations by the Biden Administration to increase vaccinations against COVID-19 have been blocked by courts. The COVID-19 virus has already killed over 780,000 Americans and has a negative impact on economic growth.

Republican state lawyers general, religious organizations and businesses challenged vaccine requirements.

Separately courts have upheld the requirements for vaccines imposed on private employers, universities, and state and local governments.

Here is a list of vaccine regulations from the Biden Administration and the current status of legal issues.

WORKPLACE VACCINE / TESTING REGULATION

In November the U.S. Department of Labor issued a rule requiring that all employers employing 100 people or more must ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated, or have a negative COVID-19 testing once a week and use a face cover.

A federal appeals court blocked the requirement in November, because it will affect more than 80 million people. 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. In late November, federal judges in Louisiana (and St. Louis) ruled against the nationwide requirement.

A federal appeals court has been asked by the government to revive this 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 rule was temporarily blocked by a Georgia federal judge on December 7.

MANDATE FOR FEDERAL WORKERS

Biden in September issued an executive order requiring federal employees that they be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 22, to protect the civil service’s safety and efficiency. 96.5% were in compliance.

There were at least 17 legal challenges to the order. However, no judge denied a request for temporary blocking of the rule. Most likely because they believed the government could require a vaccine for employees.