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DeWine Calls Biden’s Vaccine Mandate A ‘Mistake’

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) said President Joe Biden’s move to mandate vaccinations at businesses is a mistake saying a federal requirement is not the right approach.

Biden announced businesses with more than 100 workers must require COVID vaccinations or regular testing of staff.

DeWine has been touting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine since December, calling it the “ticket to freedom.”

Governor Mike DeWine and Fran DeWine visit Heritage Hall College of Medicine on Monday, April 12, 2021, in Athens, OH. DeWine toured the facility and watched as three OU students were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and then spoke to the media about the vaccination efforts and supply in Ohio. "Our way to get back to normal is the vaccine, it's the only way to get back."
Governor Mike DeWine and Fran DeWine visit Heritage Hall College of Medicine on Monday, April 12, 2021, in Athens, OH. DeWine toured the facility and watched as three OU students were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and then spoke to the media about the vaccination efforts and supply in Ohio. “Our way to get back to normal is the vaccine, it’s the only way to get back.” [Chris J. Day | WOUB]
In a post on Twitter, DeWine wrote, “I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of preventing virus spread – the vaccine is our best tool to stop COVID – but people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination.”

Instead, DeWine said stressing the science of the vaccine is the best way to go.

Currently, 61% of vaccine-eligible Ohioans have gotten those shots. But Ohio’s case numbers are near the levels they hit during the winter surge.