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Virginia Becomes First State to Pass Coronavirus Workplace Rules

AP Photo / Michael Dwyer

Virginia has become the first state to pass mandated health and safety standards for workplaces, amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Labor activists are celebrating the new enforceable standards. 

A state regulatory board voted Wednesday on a new set of rules businesses will have to implement to protect workers from infection. Destiny LeVere is with the labor union AFL-CIO. She says the standards set a precedent nationwide.  

“This is going to help protect our communities and our families from this virus and get us on track to truly re-opening the economy safely and again putting our workers at the forefront and protecting them,” said LeVere.

Among other things, the rules require employers to sanitize their workplaces, keep employees six feet apart, provide access to handwashing, and notify employees if someone they work with tests positive. 

Nicole Riley with the National Federation of Independent Business, is fearful it could be a burden for businesses. 

“We just are worried that for a lot of businesses who are doing the right thing, is the agency now going to be coming down hard on them if they missed something here or there?” questioned Riley.

The regulations are an emergency measure. Businesses that don’t comply could face fines in the thousands. 

 

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
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