The federal government on Thursday announced a new vaccine requirement for workers at companies that have more than 100 employees. Building on that, January 4 was set as the deadline for getting a COVID vaccine.

This also extends to workers at health care facilities that treat Medicare and Medicaid patients. It also extended a deadline for federal contractors.

The Biden administration says 70% of all adult Americans are now fully vaccinated. The new rules are aimed at the tens of millions who remain unvaccinated.

Here are the key takeaways:

WHAT DO COMPANIES HAVE TO DO?

Companies with 100 or more employees must require those workers to get fully vaccinated. The vaccine should be two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one shot of Johnson & Johnson by January 4. Should anyone fails to get fully vaccinated, the worker should provide a verified negative COVID test weekly. If the companies want to pay for the tests, they are welcomed. But they are not required. Unvaccinated employees also must wear masks.

WILL WORKERS GET TIME OFF TO GET VACCINATED?

Yes, the workers will get time off to get vaccinated. Starting December 5, employers must offer paid time off for workers to get vaccinated. Sicks leaves, too, are up for grabs in case anyone experiences side effects.

HOW WILL THIS BE ENFORCED?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will not only assist the companies with vaccination plans but also help in enforcing them. For non-compliance, fines will be levied. A company might have to pay up to $13,653 per individual violator or up to $136,532 for willful violation of the rules.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS?

Workers at health care facilities must be fully vaccinated by the deadline given. Since there will be no weekly testing option for those workers, they can ask for religious or medical exemptions. The mandate will cover about 17 million health care workers.

WHAT ABOUT FEDERAL CONTRACTORS?

In September, the Biden administration said it would require employees at federal contractors to get vaccinated by December 8. On Thursday, it was pushed further to January 4.

(With inputs from Associated Press)