Columbia businesses waiting to take next steps with Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate

President Joe Biden's new, aggressive plan to step up COVID-19 vaccine requirements has left large businesses in Columbia with uncertainty as they await word on the completed rules and guidelines.

Matt McCormick, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said no plans have been set in stone as the federal guidelines are not yet concrete. 

"We want businesses to do what's best for them and their employees," McCormick said in regard to implementing a vaccine mandate. "There are a lot of questions of what it might look like."

The mandate will require workers at companies that employ 100 or more people to either get vaccinated or be subjected to weekly testing. There is not yet a time frame for when the rules will be officially released by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and when workers would have to comply.

More:Columbia/Boone County health department decreases frequency of COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Fresh Ideas Food Service Management, headquartered in Columbia, currently employs about 600 people. The business, which serves academic institutions, corporations and senior living communities in 11 states, is "waiting to see what is going to be required," said Kris Lensmeyer, chief innovation and experience officer, of Biden's mandate.

"Safety is a top priority," Lensmeyer said. "We are highly encouraging vaccinations." 

The business continues to make sure it meets all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and maintains increased sanitation practices, Lensmeyer said.

Columbia-based Shelter Insurance recommends its employees get vaccinated, said Jay MacLellan, director of public relations, but the company likewise is waiting to see what comes of the mandate and its guidelines before moving forward. Shelter Insurance currently employs over 3,100 people. 

More:Superintendent: Nearly 80% of Columbia Public Schools employees vaccinated against COVID-19

MU Health Care previously announced its requirement that all employees, students and providers be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1.

Boone Health does not require employees to receive the vaccine, but incentivizes it. Vaccinated employees are entered into weekly cash prize drawings. Employees that remain unvaccinated by Oct. 4 will be required to follow additional safety guidelines, including weekly testing and increased restrictions during meal breaks.

When asked about the role of local health officials with the federal vaccine mandate, Sara Humm, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services spokesperson, said the department will continue to share information and inform people of locations to receive the vaccine. 

Biden's mandate will also apply to all federal employers and government contractors. Small businesses with less than 100 employees will not have the same requirements.

Businesses that do not comply with the directive will face “substantial fines” of up to $14,000, according to the plan.

More:University of Missouri Board of Curators approves resolutions prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine mandates

OSHA said the mandate will take effect "in the coming weeks," which in similar instances has ranged from weeks to months. The agency says it can issue such standards until permanent ones are developed when "workers are in grave danger."

The mandate is projected to affect more than 80 million workers across the country.

In a speech announcing the mandate last week, Biden said that with the new rules, "we can and we will turn the tide on COVID-19."

“We’re going to protect vaccinated workers from unvaccinated co-workers,” he said. “We’re going to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by increasing the share of the workforce that is vaccinated in businesses all across America.”