Two of the several officials presenting arguments to block Biden administration’s vaccine mandate in the Supreme Court tested positive for COVID-19. They will make their cases remotely. 

Ohio Solicitor General Benjamin Flowers and Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill’s offices stated that the two will be arguing remotely ‘in accordance with COVID protocols’. 

Also read: What’s on the line as SCOTUS hears challenges to Biden vaccine mandates

“Ben who is vaccinated and boosted, tested positive for COVID-19 after Christmas. His symptoms were exceptionally mild and he has since fully recovered. The Court required a PCR test yesterday which detected the virus so for that reason he is arguing remotely,” said a statement from the Ohio attorney general’s office.

The US Supreme Court on Friday will hear arguments against mandates that apply to companies with 100 or more employees. According to the administration, the rule will result in the vaccination of 22 million individuals and the avoidance of 250,000 hospitalisations.

Also read: Department of Homeland Security alerts threats against President Joe Biden, lawmakers

The other bill mandates coronavirus vaccination for staff in hospitals and other health-care facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programmes. 

Beginning Monday, unvaccinated employees in big companies are supposed to wear masks at work, unless the court blocks enforcement. Testing requirements and potential fines for employers don’t kick in until February.

  Also read: US VP Kamala Harris likens January 6 Capitol riots to Pearl Harbor, 9/11

Legal challenges to the policies from Republican-led states and business groups are in their early stages, but the outcome at the high court probably will determine the fate of vaccine requirements affecting more than 80 million people.

Other parties in the case will be delivering arguments in person.

With inputs from the Associated Press