OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee said in a Thursday press conference that Washington will follow OSHA’s criteria for a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, pending current court challenges.
The governor said the state is waiting for judicial decisions but will follow the criteria from OSHA on President Biden’s mandate, except where changes may be necessary to align with Washington state laws.
This comes after OSHA said it is suspending the enforcement of Biden’s new rules following recent court rulings.
President Joe Biden has ordered that companies with 100 or more workers require COVID shots starting in January. Instead of getting vaccinated, those workers could be tested weekly.
Biden’s mandate is on hold after a stay was issued following multiple legal challenges after the rules were released.
Inslee also said he won’t pursue additional mandates to strengthen the federal mandates for workers at large companies.