Joe Biden, U.S. President: “We all want our lives to get back to normal and fully vaccinated workplaces will will make that happen more quickly and more successfully. We all know that in our gut, with incentives and mandates, we can make a huge difference and save a lot of lives.”
“Since many vaccinations are required for active duty military today. I’m asking the Defense Department to look into how and when they will add COVID-19 to the list of vaccinations the armed forces must get. Our men and women in uniform who protect this country from grave threats should be protected as much as possible from getting COVID-19. I think this is particularly important because our troops serve in places throughout the world, many where vaccination rates are low and disease is prevalent.”
“Every federal government employee, every federal government employee will be asked to attest to their vaccination status. Anyone who does not attest or is not vaccinated, will be required to mask, no matter where they work. Test one or two times a week to see if they’ve they’ve acquired COVID. Socially distance and generally will not be allowed to travel for work. Likewise, today, I’m directing my administration to take steps to apply similar standards to all federal contractors. If you want to do business with the federal government, get your workers vaccinated.”
“It’s an American blessing that we have vaccines for each and every American. We’ve made it our first and top priority to have available vaccines for every American, and that’s never going to change as long as I’m here. And it’s a shame, such a shame to squander that blessed. That’s why after six months of extraordinary work and effort today I’m laying out additional steps we should be taking deliver these lifesaving vaccines to more Americans. First, we’re going to provide more incentives to encourage unvaccinated Americans to get vaccinated. That starts with paid leave to get the shot. We’re still hearing that people are unable to get time off from their employer to get vaccinated. Well, this is unacceptable.”
“So today, I’m calling on all states and local governments to use funding they have received, including from the American Rescue Plan, to give 100 dollars to anyone who gets fully vaccinated. I know the paying people to get vaccinated, it might sound unfair to folks who have gotten vaccinated already. But here’s the deal: If incentives help us beat this virus, I believe we should use them. We all benefit, we can get more people vaccinated.”
“My fellow Americans. This nation has never failed. We have come together as the United States of America. So, I say to all those run vaccinated. Please, please get vaccinated. And the rest of America, this is no time to be despondent or let our guard our guard down. We just need to finish the job with science, with facts, with the truth. Together as Americans. We’re going to be able to beat this.”