LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — President Biden’s announcement about a vaccine mandate could affect as many as 100 million Americans, many people have different opinions on the issue.
On Thursday president Biden announced a new mandate, requiring millions of Americans to get vaccinated. This would include businesses with over 100 employees to either get the vaccine or be tested weekly. Many say they don’t agree and believe it should be up to the individual.
“I think it’s just something political like they have, with their games that they be playing pretty much. If it were my choice, I wouldn’t get the vaccine,” said Williamsport residence Daniel Pendergrass.
“I think it’s stupid because if I would’ve gotten covid by now I would’ve gotten it,” said Tina Sanders who lives in Williamsport.
Businesses that don’t comply with the mandate could face fines from the occupational safety and health administration of more than 10 thousand dollars. Others add it’s simply unfair.
“That’s like extortion, you know what I mean. It’s like do this or suffer the consequences. You know what I mean? Like how are you going to be punished pretty much for not doing something you don’t feel safe doing,” asked Anthony Savage who lives in Hughesville.
“It’s unconstitutional. You’re forcing a medical procedure on somebody who has rights,” said Williamsport resident Skylar Gray.
Some are conflicted and understand both sides of the argument.
“I see like where he’s coming from because like yeah, we do need to get vaccinated in order to overcome this pandemic. But then again it also fights against the freedom of like rights,” said Shyonna Wallace who lives in Williamsport.
Ricky Keene is fully vaccinated and agrees with president Biden. He believes the mandate will help us get back to normal faster.
“There’s so many people that have died from the covid so I think it’s important that they do it. I think he’s on the right track,” said Keen.
The White House has not yet announced when this mandate will take effect.