Happy new year.
I urge VOSH and the Department of Labor and Industry to make the current Emergency Temporary Standard permanent to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic. All workers in Virginia should be protected throughout this public health crisis. In addition, I urge VOSH and the DOLI to require all employers to test all workers frequently (e.g., using rapid tests) as an additional public-health tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state of Virginia. Too many people are dying daily. Virginia must protect all workers, their families, their friends, and their surrounding communities.
I have included links to three articles about the importance of rapid testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you,
Sarah Koolsbergen, daughter of an elder mother who requires the continuous support of health care, home care, and personal care workers in Virginia
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2020/08/covid-19-test-for-public-health