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This week’s R&D covers COVID-19 vaccine mandates. While 57% of the U.S. population has received one variation of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Biden administration believes that the number can be higher with employer mandates. States like California have issued a mandate for schoolchildren when vaccines become available for them, while other states like Kentucky and Texas are moving to pass legislation prohibiting vaccine mandates. Mandates are becoming problematic as pilots, healthcare workers, teachers, and others are refusing to get vaccinated, creating spillover effects in essential institutions.
President Biden pleaded with Americans to remain vigilant against the coronavirus on Thursday, rallying states and private businesses to support vaccine mandates in an effort to avoid a surge in cases. https://t.co/r2sVZIuXcM
— NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) October 14, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine mandates could threaten public health and safety due to a shortage of police officers, firefighters, and health care workers. https://t.co/eK5mdTb2aS
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) October 14, 2021
United firing 232 employees as US airlines grapple with vaccine mandates https://t.co/qTgMaOnO3p
— The Independent (@Independent) October 13, 2021