Just Announced: Virginia Emergency Temporary Standard on COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures

– by Herb Brychta, PSP, CISSP – Workplace Safety + Security Leader

Virginia has announced an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 infection prevention measures will be published during the week of 27 July.  In addition to currently accepted practices like mask usage and social distancing, this ETS is expected to mandate notification of employees if a co-worker tests positive for COVID 19 and mandate days away from work after a positive test.

AE Works like all other employers with locations in Virginia will be looking for the standard and the associated guidance which is likely to include:

• Informational PowerPoint for Employers and Employees with an included training certification form.  These resources will be provided to explain the standard in more detail, including specifics for different industries.
• Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan Template, including specific materials for different industries.
• Training PowerPoint on how to develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan Template with an included training certification form
• Flowchart for how to determine how to classify job tasks by exposure risk levels.

Stay tuned. We will offer analysis and commentary on how this standard will impact your return to the office plan.   More information is available here.