U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the pace of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations in the United States during remarks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 29, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Ben Burke Producer

Politics

Eviction moratorium to end, federal workers to get vaccinated or get tested

Jul 29, 2021

Ben Burke Producer

By Ben Burke (Producer)

President Joe Biden made two major announcements related to COVID-19 Thursday: He is allowing the eviction moratorium to end Saturday, and requiring federal workers to either prove they’ve been vaccinated or get tested weekly.

The video above shows clips from President Biden’s speech announcing the federal worker requirements. They are aimed at boosting sluggish vaccination rates as the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread.

“It’s an American blessing that we have vaccines for each and every American,” Biden said. “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 blessing.”

In addition to the “vaccinate or test” requirement for federal workers, Biden is asking the Department of Defense to look into requiring members of the military to get the vaccine.

“Our men and women in uniform who protect this country from grave threats should be protected as much as possible from getting COVID-19,” Biden said. “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.”

The president is also rolling out more incentives to get vaccinated, including paid leave to get the shot and more.

“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,” Biden said. “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.”

As for the moratorium, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put them in place last September.

The Biden administration said it would have liked to extend the moratorium, but its hands were tied after the Supreme Court signaled the moratorium would only be extended until the end of July.

Biden called on “Congress to extend the eviction moratorium to protect such vulnerable renters and their families without delay.” Senators Chuck Schumer and Sherrod Brown are working on legislation that would do just that.

Tags: Joe Biden, Pandemic

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.”