January 8, 2021

Members of the Safety and Health Code Board,

I am Ashley Smith, President and CEO of Smith-Midland Corporation, a manufacturer of quality precast concrete products headquartered in Midland, Fauquier County, VA.  We produce essential products to support the infrastructure needs of the Commonwealth.  I oppose adopting a Permanent Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus that Causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220.  The proposed permanent standard has no specific end date and is based on a temporary standard for a temporary health crisis for which there is now 2 vaccines distributed to Virginia with over 90% efficacy and several more candidates are nearing the end of their trials.

The standard is burdensome, obsolete, difficult to enforce, costly in time and money, and lacks flexibility to adapt to current science and innovation.  I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the adoption of a Permanent Standard, with no expiration, for what is a temporary health situation.

I remain committed to the health and safety of my employees, and thank you for the opportunity to publicly comment.

Very Respectfully,

Ashley B. Smith