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DeWine Calls Biden's Vaccine Mandate 'A Mistake'

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives an update at MetroHealth Medical Center on the state's preparedness and education efforts to limit the potential spread of a new virus which caused a disease called COVID-19, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Cleveland.
Tony Dejak
/
AP

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said President Joe Biden made a mistake in ordering new federal vaccine requirements.

DeWine said the country should focus on the science of preventing the spread of the coronavirus, arguing the vaccine is the best tool to do that. But he said Friday that people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination.

DeWine has shied away from mandates in recent months, though he opposes an Ohio House bill that would ban employers from issuing their own vaccine requirements.

Biden's announcement could require vaccines for as many as 100 million Americans, including private-sector employees, health care workers and federal contractors.

NPR reports that the forthcoming federal rule for businesses with 100 or more employees have to ensure that every worker is either vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing for the coronavirus.