Trump COVID-19 testing czar: Businesses’ vaccine mandates ‘very reasonable’

Brett Giroir, who served as former President Trump’s COVID-19 testing czar, said Wednesday that vaccine requirements from businesses are “very reasonable” and should be supported. 

“We should support businesses that have vaccine requirements,” Giroir said on CNN’s “New Day.” 

“I do not believe the federal government should have vaccine requirements. I don’t believe in state areas having vaccine requirements, except for their employees, but yes, we should support businesses like Facebook and Google and Morgan Stanley and so many others that in order to keep their employees safe, and their customers safe, have [requirements],” he said. “I think these are very reasonable, they’re legal and I support that.”

An increasing number of businesses are requiring vaccinations for their employees, something that experts are urging as a key way to boost a vaccination rate that is significantly down from its peak. 

And on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that proof of vaccination will be required for those wishing to dine indoors, attend fitness centers and participate in indoor entertainment. 

President Biden encouraged such moves last week and said that federal workers would need to get vaccinated or be tested regularly. 

Giroir also said he disagreed with orders in Texas and Florida preventing local school districts from requiring masks in school. 

“The locality should have the decision making authority of what they do, particularly with public health,” Giroir said. 

He also backed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance last week, which has drawn blowback from many Republicans, that even vaccinated people should wear masks indoors in areas with high amounts of transmission. 

“Until we really understand delta and get more information about it, the CDC’s recommendation about masking indoors even if you’re vaccinated is a reasonable one, and I support that, and I urge all Americans to support it,” Giroir said.