Covid-19 in OKC (coronavirus)

[Jersey Boss]

I'm wondering if Stitt will try and interfere.

Bridges, et al v. Houston Methodist Hospital et al, Docket No. 4:21-cv-01774 (S.D. Tex. Jun 01, 2021) dismissed a case challenging a hospital’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees. This is the first court opinion addressing the ability of employers to require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The decision is also notable in that it rejects the argument, which has been advanced in other cases challenging mandatory vaccination policies in the employment context, that such policies are prohibited by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”).

https://leglobal.org/2021/06/29/usa-...nfidentiality/
The EEOC stated that employers can require COVID-19 vaccination of all employees entering the workplace, so long as certain requirements are met. First, the qualification standard must be job-related and consistent with business necessity. Second, if a particular employee cannot meet such a safety-related qualification standard because of a disability, the employer may not require that employee’s compliance, unless it can demonstrate the individual would pose a “direct threat” to the health or safety of the employee or others in the workplace. This remains a controversial position and some employers may argue that a lower burden of proof applies.

Stitt should concern himself with clawback provisions when handing out 300 M to start ups. His track record dealing with any facet of Covid is abysmal.

[David]

Bridges, et al v. Houston Methodist Hospital et al, Docket No. 4:21-cv-01774 (S.D. Tex. Jun 01, 2021) dismissed a case challenging a hospital’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees. This is the first court opinion addressing the ability of employers to require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The decision is also notable in that it rejects the argument, which has been advanced in other cases challenging mandatory vaccination policies in the employment context, that such policies are prohibited by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”).

https://leglobal.org/2021/06/29/usa-...nfidentiality/
The EEOC stated that employers can require COVID-19 vaccination of all employees entering the workplace, so long as certain requirements are met. First, the qualification standard must be job-related and consistent with business necessity. Second, if a particular employee cannot meet such a safety-related qualification standard because of a disability, the employer may not require that employee’s compliance, unless it can demonstrate the individual would pose a “direct threat” to the health or safety of the employee or others in the workplace. This remains a controversial position and some employers may argue that a lower burden of proof applies.

Stitt should concern himself with clawback provisions when handing out 300 M to start ups. His track record dealing with any facet of Covid is abysmal.

Sure, but that court case was employer vs employees. Employer vs state would be a different question and possibly a different answer, regardless of what EEOC says.

[Rivalyn]

In court, sure. I was thinking more along the lines of: Cruise Lines Wrestle With Florida Ban on Vaccine Passports

Of course, a hospital requiring employee vaccination is not quite the same story as cruise lines requiring passenger vaccination, but given the illogic of the latter I could easily see someone trying to mess with the former. On the other hand it is perhaps notable that the state of Texas has (as far as I am aware) stayed out of that Houston hospital situation.

In reference to the cruise line, it's really smart how they pivoted. I can't remember which cruise line was doing it, but the policy becomes:
1. You can choose to show your vaccination card (not required)
2. If you show it, you get a band. This band means you can walk around without a mask and join certain events.
3. If you don't choose to show it (or don't have it), then you have to wear a mask.

More locations doing this would probably lead to a second surge of vaccinations. Obviously this is easier for something that's contained (cruise ship) versus an individual business as no business is going to be giving out bands to all of its customers.

[emtefury]

A group of Houston hospital workers lost a lawsuit in Federal Court when they sued over their employer mandating vaccination as a condition of employment.

Don't be surprised if the fifth circuit overturns this ruling. The judge who made the ruling is one of the most overturned district judges in the country.

[jedicurt]

Don't be surprised if the fifth circuit overturns this ruling. The judge who made the ruling is one of the most overturned district judges in the country.

what still blows my mind in their initial lawsuit and why i think it might be upheld, is that they aren't trying to argue against literally all of the other vaccines that are required for their employment, only the covid vaccine. if truly their issue is with forced vaccines for employment, why are they not concerned with all of the other vaccines that have always been required for their employment and never fought?

[kzizok]

what still blows my mind in their initial lawsuit and why i think it might be upheld, is that they aren't trying to argue against literally all of the other vaccines that are required for their employment, only the covid vaccine. if truly their issue is with forced vaccines for employment, why are they not concerned with all of the other vaccines that have always been required for their employment and never fought?

This is a good point and this will be similar with SSM (St. Anthony). For instance, when I worked there they required us to get the flu shot. If you didn't want it, or couldn't get it, then you had to wear a mask. Requiring immunizations, especially in health care, is not a new thing. I think it is pretty clear why the Covid vaccine has divided. It is all of the misinformation tying to build and support an agenda. Sad really.

[BDP]

I don't see a connection with cruise ship customets.

They are different for sure, but in both cases it does make business sense. I certainly wouldn't knowingly choose a hospital that does not require steps to prevent the spread of disease, not to mention the potential liabilities involved for a hospital that causes a breakout because they failed to protect their patients.

As for a boat, I wouldn't get on an enclosed boat with hundreds of other people for weeks that didn't require the vaccine. Watching that documentary on the Diamond Princess was convincing enough. And, again, there are potential liabilities involved. Outbreaks of any kind on a cruise ship are expensive and damaging to the industry. Let the companies decide on whether they want to offer COVID cruises or non-COVID cruises.

At the end of the day, businesses have a right to protect the safety of their workers and customers as they see fit and, in many aspects, are actually required to do so.

[BDP]

This is a good point and this will be similar with SSM (St. Anthony). For instance, when I worked there they required us to get the flu shot. If you didn't want it, or couldn't get it, then you had to wear a mask. Requiring immunizations, especially in health care, is not a new thing. I think it is pretty clear why the Covid vaccine has divided. It is all of the misinformation tying to build and support an agenda. Sad really.

We should at least be able to ask if they got their continued medical training from an accredited institution or from facebook memes.

And requiring vaccines for travel is nothing new, as well.

[Jersey Boss]

They are different for sure, but in both cases it does make business sense. I certainly wouldn't knowingly choose a hospital that does not require steps to prevent the spread of disease, not to mention the potential liabilities involved for a hospital that causes a breakout because they failed to protect their patients.

As for a boat, I wouldn't get on an enclosed boat with hundreds of other people for weeks that didn't require the vaccine. Watching that documentary on the Diamond Princess was convincing enough. And, again, there are potential liabilities involved. Outbreaks of any kind on a cruise ship are expensive and damaging to the industry. Let the companies decide on whether they want to offer COVID cruises or non-COVID cruises.

At the end of the day, businesses have a right to protect the safety of their workers and customers as they see fit and, in many aspects, are actually required to do so.

I agree with what you posted. My reply was in the context of state government challenging the rights of employers to maintain standards of health.

[Mott]

After 25+ years the BNSF RR finally banned smoking on the job, mainly because of the liability. It shouldn’t be a liability or a political thing, it should be for the benefit of the employer, the employees, and the public. Really, would you like seeing your surgical crew mask less?

[TheTravellers]

5 New Things We Learned About COVID-19 In June 2021

[BoulderSooner]

what still blows my mind in their initial lawsuit and why i think it might be upheld, is that they aren't trying to argue against literally all of the other vaccines that are required for their employment, only the covid vaccine. if truly their issue is with forced vaccines for employment, why are they not concerned with all of the other vaccines that have always been required for their employment and never fought?

the fact that the vaccines are not FDA approved may make the difference ..

[jedicurt]

the fact that the vaccines are not FDA approved may make the difference ..

well it's going through that process. and probably will have FDA approval by the time it gets to an appeals court. at least for pfizer. they filed all the paperwork to get it started the first week of May and FDA approval usually takes around 6 months for it's priority review, since it has already gotten the Emergency approval. So don't think that will be the thing that makes a difference and allows it to be overturned.

[BoulderSooner]

well it's going through that process. and probably will have FDA approval by the time it gets to an appeals court. at least for pfizer. they filed all the paperwork to get it started the first week of May and FDA approval usually takes around 6 months for it's priority review, since it has already gotten the Emergency approval. So don't think that will be the thing that makes a difference and allows it to be overturned.

i agree .... .. i was just saying that may be the difference of opinion between this and other vaccines for the hospital employees

[Pete]

According to the CDC, Oklahoma has now slipped into the Bottom 10 in terms of fully vaccinated rate:

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations

[David]

Top ten state if you flip the chart upside down.

[kukblue1]

Number 2 in new cases. We should be very proud. SMH

[PoliSciGuy]

Well at least Oklahoma *county* is doing decently

[TheTravellers]

Did anybody really expect otherwise from OK? And if so, what in the world are you smoking, 'cos it must be really good...

[soonerguru]

According to the CDC, Oklahoma has now slipped into the Bottom 10 in terms of fully vaccinated rate:

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations

This is an embarrassing indictment of the ignorance and stupidity of a large percentage of our state population. Also points to leadership failure from our statewide elected officials.

[TheTravellers]

If (and that's a *huge* if, based on all evidence for the past umpteen months) OK government really wants to get people vaccinated, they should get with team/venue owners and make it mandatory to be vaccinated to attend any Thunder game or OU/OSU football game or live concert.

[Anonymous.]

I feel like if the state required employers to give 1 PTO day per dose, we would have a lot more people vaccinated. People LOVE an excuse to stay home and still be paid.

[Pete]

Based on weekly totals, OK numbers continue to rise.


This week there were 1,270 new cases compared to the last 4 weeks ending on Friday: 1,151, 1,141, 842, and 775.

303 new cases today alone; last 4 Fridays: 224, 181, 178, 152.

Hospitalizations are 139 up from a low of 106 on 6/11/21.

ICU is 41 up from a low of 29 on 6/3/21.

[Brett]

This is the beginning of a spike.

[Cocaine]

If (and that's a *huge* if, based on all evidence for the past umpteen months) OK government really wants to get people vaccinated, they should get with team/venue owners and make it mandatory to be vaccinated to attend any Thunder game or OU/OSU football game or live concert.

Because football, basketball and concerts are more important than stopping the spread of covid. It's sad that it would really take OU / OSU football, the thunder and concerts to encourage people to get vaccinated.