Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced he will not extend Virginia’s state of emergency when it expires at the end of the June but plans to keep some protections, such as a stay on evictions, in place.
Also, it has been reported Governor Northam Governor has requested the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board meet by the end of the month to consider repealing the permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety Regulations so there is no conflict when lifting the State of Emergency.
Governor Northam’s communication stated: “With increasing vaccination rates, the continued decline in case counts, and revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are finally seeing life return to once-dormant sectors of our economy. The Final Permanent Standard (FPS), having replaced the ETS, unfortunately does not evolve with improving conditions across the Commonwealth.
“It is of utmost importance that the Safety and Health Codes Board take action to address the discrepancies between the FPS, CDC guidance, and the rapidly changing realities of the workplace during this pandemic. I also note that OSHA just released an Emergency Temporary Standard, which should be taken into consideration by the Board. This will be a critical step in supporting Virginia’s economy while protecting workers.”
NFIB Virginia will continue to advocate for a full repeal of the permanent regulations and ensure Virginia employers are not held to any additional requirements than already encouraged by OSHA or CDC.
