While President Joe Biden's executive order to mandate vaccines would affect many businesses in Butler County, employers are taking a wait-and-see approach at this point.

In a speech on Thursday, Biden said the U.S. Department of Labor is developing an emergency rule that would require all employers of more than 100 workers to ensure their workforces are fully vaccinated, or show a negative test at least once per week.

Ken DeFurio, CEO of the county's second-largest employer, Butler Health System, said the health system has experienced significant strain from individuals being admitted with COVID-19, and that the situation directly affects BHS services.

“BHS supports vaccinations for all who are eligible,” DeFurio said. “BHS awaits direction regarding the federal mandate. It will comply with directives for the health system and hospital workers.”

DeFurio said as BHS has done since the beginning of the pandemic, the health system stands ready to partner with and support businesses and employers as they meet requirements in getting their employees vaccinated.

The health system employs about 3,000 workers.

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