GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – President Biden’s new vaccine mandates could impact over 100 million Americans. Including thousands of people, just in the Green Bay area. While not everyone supports it, some say it could help control the pandemic.
President Biden’s vaccine requirement will effect the more than 37,000 employees working for Green Bay Area’s 30 largest employers alone.
Some of Green Bay’s own favor the decision.
“It would stop it from what’s going on right now,” said Bob LuMaye of Green Bay.
Others do not favor it, despite an alternative to opt for weekly testing instead.
“I can understand why he [Biden] wants it for people to feel safe and secure, but it’s a bit of a control factor in my eyes,” said Daniel Gilbert of Appleton.
Dr. Ashok Rai, is the president and CEO of Prevea Health. The organization already has a mandate in place for employees. He says this will help vaccine rates significantly in the community. According to state data, nearly 53% of residents in Brown County are fully vaccinated.
“We want more and more vaccinated whether it’s through employers or their own personal decision, we’re just happy people are gonna get vaccinated,” said Dr. Rai.
Dr. Rai tells FOX 11 vaccine supply will need to be considered with the decision bringing an uptick in demand.
“Hope the government supplies those. We’re ready to give vaccines on site, we hope the government continues to make sure we have enough stock to do what which I think they will. And we’ll have to move as quickly as the executive orders say we do.”
FOX 11 reached out to several of Green Bay Area’s largest employers, including Bellin Health, but they would not provide a comment for us at this time.
Wisconsin Public Service did provide a statement, saying it’s reviewing President Biden’s announcement.
“We will communicate any changes with our employees when there is more information to share. As we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to take precautions to help keep our workforce and customers safe, including encouraging all employees to get vaccinated, requiring masks in all company facilities and practicing social distancing.”
Some of the other employers contacted are Schneider, Georgia-Pacific, and Cellcom. The companies indicate they will be reviewing the announcement.
