Members of the Safety and Health Code Board,

As an employee in the heavy construction industry, I oppose adopting a permanent standard for infectious disease preventions: SAWS-CoV-2 Virus that causes COVID-19, 16VAC25-220. The proposed permanent 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 is burdensome, obsolete, difficult to enforce, costly in time and money, and lacks flexibility to adapt to current science 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 coworkers and thank you for the opportunity to publicly comment.