Hello, my name is Luis Velez Torres. I have been honored to serve the public both in Puerto Rico and here in Virginia. I am proud of my son for also continuing our family's legacy in public service, but when the pandemic hit, my thoughts turned immediately to the safety of my family and community. With the VOSH Workplace standards being made permanent, we will have a sense of protection against this dangerous virus that continues to pose a threat to public health. 

I have been employed with Arlington County for nearly three years and I currently work as a Construction Management Specialist. I previously worked as a Senior Service Technician in the county’s Water, Sewer, and Streets Division. 

As a service technician, I was responsible for establishing new water services and repairing water main breaks and leaks. When addressing water main breaks, it was challenging, if not impossible, to adequately socially distance. Placing and riveting a new section of pipe required at least two people working very close to one another. On occasion, we would also be approached by members of the public, who were – thankfully – generally mindful of wearing masks. Masks work as source control and their use should continue.  

Related to my current position as a Construction Management Specialist, my employer has urged us to do our reports at home and hold all meetings virtually, reducing risk of exposure. These practices are informed by the current emergency temporary standard and just like the use of masks and social distancing, should continue.  

As a person who works in an essential position, I believe that for us to continue doing our jobs and provide the services the public needs, we need the peace of mind that comes with knowing that there are rules in place that enable us to keep not only our coworkers safe, but our loved ones as well. The emergency temporary standard has been effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and has led to greater awareness among personnel as to their rights during this pandemic. Furthermore, the standards are holding our management accountable and protecting the broader community. I urge the board take the necessary steps to make the VOSH temporary standard permanent and to make the effective date for a permanent standard and all provisions January 27th, 2021 to avoid any lapse in protection.