oe Biden's controversial nationwide order that large businesses either mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or test their workers regularly will be considered by the Supreme Court during a special hearing in January, the justices announced on Wednesday.

The court will also decide on the lawfulness of a separate vaccine requirement for health care workers.

The brief court order said the justices will hear oral arguments on January 7 in the two cases, with rulings likely to follow swiftly after.

The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, delayed action on emergency requests in both cases that sought an immediate decision.

The workplace mandate is currently in effect nationwide, while the health care worker mandate is blocked in half the 50 U.S. states.