Employees of Russell Lands, Russell Medical and most of the local automotive plants will have to get vaccinated by Jan. 4 or pay for weekly COVID-19 testing under a directive from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Thursday, though a bill passed by the Alabama Legislature may create a back door.

The regulation puts to action an executive order issued by President Joe Biden in September, directing OSHA to require employers of 100-plus workers to ensure their employees are vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who refuse must present a weekly negative test at their own expense.