When COVID-19 vaccines were initially introduced a few months ago, there was hope that the pandemic was nearing its end. Unfortunately, insufficient vaccination rates, particularly in the Midwest and South, have resulted in hospitals once again facing increasing cases of COVID-19, exacerbated by the delta variant. President Joe Biden addressed the nation at the White House, unveiling new incentives and stricter requirements for federal employees to curb the spread of the virus.
President Biden expressed his concern, stating, “This is an American tragedy. People are needlessly losing their lives. If you are unvaccinated, there is a way to prevent this. Look at the news, and you’ll find stories of unvaccinated individuals in hospitals, on their deathbeds due to Covid-19, asking for the vaccine when it’s unfortunately too late.”
Biden announced that all federal government employees at the White House would need to disclose their vaccination status. Those who are not vaccinated will have to wear masks at work regardless of their location, maintain physical distance, undergo regular screening tests, and face travel restrictions.
The Delta variant is spreading rapidly nationwide, but the good news is that we’ve spent months preparing for this scenario. The vaccines are highly effective, and there are an adequate supply for everyone.
Get vaccinated today: https://t.co/4MYpWqXVVo pic.twitter.com/pkySebeZJy
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 30, 2021
To encourage vaccination among hesitant Americans, Biden proposed various incentives such as paid time off, cash bonuses, and reimbursements for businesses granting time off for vaccination and recovery. He explained, “I understand that paying individuals to get vaccinated may seem unfair to those already vaccinated. However, if these incentives aid in overcoming the virus, then I believe we should utilize them for the greater good.”
