As an employee in the heavy construction industry, 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 specified end date and is based on a temporary standard for a temporary health crisis, for which there are now 2 vaccines distributed to Virginia, with over 90% efficacy and several more candidates are nearing the end of their trials.

The standard, if adopted, should sunset upon the expiration of the Governor’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. There is no logical or scientific justification for the continuance of a standard, specifically crafted in response to an Executive Order during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.