Biden Administration To Unveil Plan To Accelerate COVID Response

From Axios - The Biden Administration unveiled a six-pronged plan to accelerate the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan includes:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to create a rule that will require vaccinations or once-a-week testing for companies with more than 100 employees, anticipated to be implemented in the coming weeks.

• Booster shots are expected to begin as early as the week of September 20.

• Most federal employees will be required to get the COVID vaccine, with no option for regular testing as an alternative.

• Large entertainment venues will be urged to require proof of vaccination or testing for entry.

• Staff in school settings will be required to be vaccinated.

• Additional funding will be issued to school districts to support their reopening efforts.

• Over-the-counter and at-home COVID testing supplies will be increased, with Walmart, Amazon and Kroger being required to sell at-home tests at-cost for the next three months.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce the plan during a speech that is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Image from Reuters