The federal government has issued new details of a vaccine mandate for the workplace. The Biden administration’s mandate covers millions of Americans who work for private companies with more than 100 employees. Starting on Jan. 4, workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly tests for coronavirus exposure. Companies do not need to pay for testing but they do need to give workers time off to get vaccinated. Anyone who isn’t vaccinated by Dec. 5 must wear a mask. Companies that don’t comply with the rules can be fined. Under a separate rule, 17 million health care workers must also be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4 and do not have a testing option.
Businesses and residents whose properties were damaged during Tropical Storm Ida have more time to apply for federal disaster loans. The Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters to apply. The new deadline is Dec. 6. The SBA offers low-interest loans to help pay for repair costs. Businesses can borrow up to $2 million. Homeowners can apply for loans of up to $200,000.
Companies have some work to do when it comes to increasing diversity. A report from Executive Women of New Jersey finds that progress has been made in placing women on the corporate boards of public companies but racial minorities aren’t seeing the same progress.
The Rutgers University arena, known as the RAC, will now be called Jersey Mike’s arena. Rutgers University signed a multiyear naming rights agreement with the sandwich chain.
