Biden’s vaccine mandate draws mixed reactions, healthcare industry feels impact

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that businesses with more than 100 employees must require COVID-19 vaccinations, local businesses are concerned about the impacts.

Many Rhode Island business owners tell ABC6 while they think the mandate is necessary, they are already losing employees because of it.

Rick Gamache, CEO Aldersbridge Communities, an East Providence nursing home, says he’s expecting to lose almost 20 workers who refuse to get the shot.

“The staffing crisis has never been as severe as it has been,” Gamache explained. He noted that any healthcare worker who is refusing the vaccine, may have significant trouble trying to find another healthcare job.

Gamache said due to this mandate, they’d likely have to change their profession.

“If I’m losing 14 people from this building…and there are 82 other buildings like this…and they’re losing the same amount…this could be a public health crisis,” Gamache told ABC6.

Governor Dan McKee has already given Rhode Island’s healthcare workers an October 1 deadline to get the shot. If they are still not vaccinated 75 days after, they risk losing their job.

Dr. Louis Rice, Chairman and President of the Department of Medicine at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, told ABC6 he was thrilled to hear the President’s mandate.

“If more and more companies do this, then there won’t be other options for people,” Rice explained. “To take the other job, you’re going to have to be vaccinated.”

As Biden addressed the nation Thursday, he noted any employer with over 100 workers who don’t follow his guidance, run the risk of a hefty $14,000 fine.

“It’s a way of saying: come on.”