<p>US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Tuesday rescinded the COVID-19 mandate bill that, as per the Pentagon, had led to the discharge of over 8,000 military personnel for refusal to comply. The move as per AFP is a requirement by the US congress as part of the 2023 defence spending bill. Scrapping the mandate, Austin in a memo wrote he was&nbsp;"deeply proud" of the Defense Department's efforts to combat the coronavirus adding that, "we have improved the health of our service members and the readiness of the force, and we have provided life-saving assistance to the American people."</p>

<p>He added that the department, however, would keep encouraging personnel to get vaccinated. Addressing commanders, the memo said they have "the responsibility and authority to preserve the department's compelling interests in mission accomplishment."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Travellers rush to renew passports as China ends Covid restrictions</strong></p>

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<p>As per AFP, the memo then expands on the said responsibilities and authority, adding that it "includes the ability to maintain military readiness, unit cohesions, good order and discipline, and the health and safety of a resilient joint force."</p>

<p>The thousands of army personnel who lost their jobs because of the mandate can also apply to have the characterisations of their discharge amended. However, the memo makes no mention of reinstatement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-to-begin-training-on-patriot-missiles-in-us-next-week-pentagon-confirms-551346">Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms</a></strong></p>

<p>Republicans have pushed for the removal of the said mandate and have also sought reinstatement of those relieved from their duties. Republican Kevin McCarthy, who is now the speaker of the House, had even argued that the mandate affects recruiting.</p>

<p>However, Austin said that he has not been made privy to any "hard data that directly links the Covid mandate to an effect on our recruiting."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-unaware-about-the-presence-of-classified-documents-in-private-office-says-biden-551349">Was surprised to learn about govt documents in private office, says Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, in a statement, said the mandate "appears to have very minimal impact on recruiting". She added that scrapping the mandate "would impact the readiness of the force."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Tuesday rescinded the COVID-19 mandate bill that, as per the Pentagon, had led to the discharge of over 8,000 military personnel for refusal to comply.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Tuesday rescinded the COVID-19 mandate bill that, as per the Pentagon, had led to the discharge of over 8,000 military personnel for refusal to comply. The move as per AFP is a requirement by the US congress as part of the 2023 defence spending bill. Scrapping the mandate, Austin in a memo wrote he was "deeply proud" of the Defense Department's efforts to combat the coronavirus adding that, "we have improved the health of our service members and the readiness of the force, and we have provided life-saving assistance to the American people." He added that the department, however, would keep encouraging personnel to get vaccinated. Addressing commanders, the memo said they have "the responsibility and authority to preserve the department's compelling interests in mission accomplishment." Watch | Travellers rush to renew passports as China ends Covid restrictions As per AFP, the memo then expands on the said responsibilities and authority, adding that it "includes the ability to maintain military readiness, unit cohesions, good order and discipline, and the health and safety of a resilient joint force." The thousands of army personnel who lost their jobs because of the mandate can also apply to have the characterisations of their discharge amended. However, the memo makes no mention of reinstatement. Also read | Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms Republicans have pushed for the removal of the said mandate and have also sought reinstatement of those relieved from their duties. Republican Kevin McCarthy, who is now the speaker of the House, had even argued that the mandate affects recruiting. However, Austin said that he has not been made privy to any "hard data that directly links the Covid mandate to an effect on our recruiting." Also read | Was surprised to learn about govt documents in private office, says Biden Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, in a statement, said the mandate "appears to have very minimal impact on recruiting". She added that scrapping the mandate "would impact the readiness of the force." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon scraps Covid vaccine mandate that led to the discharge of more than 8,000 army personnel

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lashed out at the truckers protesting against the Covid-19 vaccine mandate in the country as “unacceptable”. Also he called the truck blockades a threat to economy.

Justin Trudeau slams truckers' protest, calls truck blockades a threat to economy

A convoy of Canadian truck drivers is making their way towards Ottawa Ontario to protest against the federal government's Covid-19 vaccine mandate.

Canadian truck drivers stage protest against Covid-19 vaccine mandate

<p>Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
On Tuesday, Burton posted a video on Instagram to talk about his exit from the long-running show.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jay-z-leads-list-of-most-nominated-artists-in-grammys-history-431535" hreflang="en">Jay-Z leads list of most-nominated artists in Grammys history</a></p>

<p><br />
"I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and ‘General Hospital’ and I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, ‘General Hospital’ has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," the actor confirmed the news over a two-minute video clip.&nbsp;<br />
A source confirmed to The Post that Burton was no longer a part of the cast as he refused to comply with the show's vaccine mandate. The last episode the actor has reportedly filmed for the show was on October 27. The date of its airing is yet to be known.</p>

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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-jeremy-renner-calls-hawkeye-grandpa-says-his-biggest-superpower-isnt-archery-431403" hreflang="en">Jeremy Renner on new show 'Hawkeye' and why archery isn't his biggest power</a></p>

<p><br />
The 'The Young and the Restless' actor has alleged that he had asked for exemptions from the vaccine mandate on medical and religious grounds. However, the production unit reportedly denied both. "Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me," he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
"I’ll always be grateful for my time on ‘General Hospital.’ I love it there, I grew up there. I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open … so I am excited to see what the future brings. And maybe one day, if these mandates are lifted, I can return and can finish my career as Jason Morgan," Burton added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/adeles-new-album-30-breaks-years-top-selling-record-within-three-days-of-release-431547" hreflang="en">Adele's new album '30' breaks year's top-selling record in just three days</a></p>


Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim.

Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim. On Tuesday, Burton posted a video on Instagram to talk about his exit from the long-running show. Also read: Jay-Z leads list of most-nominated artists in Grammys history "I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and ‘General Hospital’ and I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, ‘General Hospital’ has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," the actor confirmed the news over a two-minute video clip. A source confirmed to The Post that Burton was no longer a part of the cast as he refused to comply with the show's vaccine mandate. The last episode the actor has reportedly filmed for the show was on October 27. The date of its airing is yet to be known. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steve Burton (@1steveburton) × Also read: Jeremy Renner on new show 'Hawkeye' and why archery isn't his biggest power The 'The Young and the Restless' actor has alleged that he had asked for exemptions from the vaccine mandate on medical and religious grounds. However, the production unit reportedly denied both. "Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me," he continued. "I’ll always be grateful for my time on ‘General Hospital.’ I love it there, I grew up there. I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open … so I am excited to see what the future brings. And maybe one day, if these mandates are lifted, I can return and can finish my career as Jason Morgan," Burton added. Also read: Adele's new album '30' breaks year's top-selling record in just three days

Steve Burton fired from 'General Hospital' over flouting Covid vaccine mandate

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has was stopped from attending a football match between Santos and Grêmio yesterday because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated Brazil president Bolsonaro denied entry into the stadium