In Flux: Anticipated Adjustments to Virginia’s Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Standard

In Flux: Anticipated Adjustments to Virginia’s Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Standard

In recent months, Virginia employers have experienced tension between the CDC’s guidance for relaxed restrictions for vaccinated employees (on the one hand) and the Commonwealth’s continuing, stricter requirements under the Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Standard (on the other hand).
 
In a bit of welcome news, relief for employers should be on the way, with Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board now recommending that (1) most vaccinated individuals be allowed to work mask free and without observing physical distancing requirements and (2) future protections be tied to ongoing CDC guidance. These likely changes are currently in a public comment period, with action expected to be taken by the Board later this month.
 
Have questions about how your business should proceed as the issue remains in flux? Our team is available to discuss strategies for minimizing your organization’s risk.