White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says that businesses should still encourage their workers to comply with new vaccine mandates despite the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit forcing a pause on the recent executive order.
“People should not wait,” said Jean-Pierre. “They should continue to move forward and make sure they’re getting their workplace vaccinated.”
Over the weekend, the appeals court halted the Biden Administration’s mandate, stating that “the petitions give cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate” just one day after the ruling went into effect.
Republican attorneys general in states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah requested the hold, citing that this mandate may exceed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) authority.
The Biden Administration requested that the court lift the pause, stating that halting the ruling could “cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.”
According to the mandate, businesses with 100 or more employees would need to ensure workers have been fully vaccinated by January 4. If workers refuse, they must submit to routine testing, as well as wear facemasks indoors starting December 5.
When multiple petitions are filed in at least two courts, the cases are merged through a lottery system. According to the Justice Department, the lottery will likely take place on November 16 and will provide a clearer view of what the future of the order will look like.
