Deadline Approaching... US Companies and Local Governments Race to Vaccinate

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the deadline for vaccination mandates for federal government contractors approaches on December 8, following an executive order signed by the Biden administration last month, major corporations and local governments are effectively encouraging vaccinations.

According to Bloomberg News on the 20th (local time), Apple recently announced in an internal notice that starting next month, unvaccinated employees must undergo a COVID-19 test every day upon entering the office.

Employees who choose not to disclose their vaccination status to the company are also subject to testing. Vaccinated employees are required to take a rapid test once a week.

Apple has requested employees to submit their vaccination status and related certificates by the 24th.

Bloomberg News explained, "Apple initially did not take an aggressive stance on vaccination, but changed its approach as the vaccination mandate deadline approached." Apple supplies products to the government through dedicated sales channels.

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The Biden administration effectively mandated vaccinations last month on the 9th for federal employees, private sector workers in companies with 100 or more employees, and healthcare workers.

Local governments are also requiring vaccinations for public officials. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that "starting next month, vaccinations will be mandatory for all public workers, including police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers."

New York City public employees must have received at least the first dose by November 1, or they will be placed on unpaid leave. This expands the vaccination mandate, which previously applied only to teachers and healthcare workers, to all public employees.

To increase the vaccination rate among public employees, which is only in the 70% range, New York City has also introduced incentives. Public employees who receive their first dose by the 29th will receive a $500 bonus.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.