I am a small business owner in Virginia who opposes making this temporary standard permanent.  Way before the ETS was approved (without public comment), we already learned to adapt by implementing protocols from CDC guidelines and and state entities to ensure physical distancing and proper sanitation and protection.  I want to keep my employees and customers safe because I care about their welfare. But, I also, cannot control what they do once they leave work in regards to social distancing and protecting themselves.

Now is not the time to make this broad and over-reaching emergency temporary standard permanent when this pandemic is likely to be temporary. Imposing "one size fits all" regulations on all employers is unreasonable especially when guidance is frequently and continually changing as we learn about this virus.  The board needs to take the time to see what challenges employers face implementing these emergency regulations before taking further action.

We take our responsibility for protecting our employees seriously.  I remain concerned about the impact the emergency regulations have on my business now, and in the future and I encourage the board to NOT make them permanent.