My first question is - why are we making a permanent standard? Pandemics are not permanent. Historically, pandemics of a novel virus or virus strain, have remained at pandemic levels for an average of 18 months. This simple fact highlights that there is no need for permanent standards to be in place for the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the workplace. I certainly think it is necessary to protect employees health and their job security during a pandemic. Making a standard such as this permanent is not scientifically or financially sound.

As I read through the guidelines, keeping in mind this would be permanent, I find it absolutely absurd that the DOLI wants to force coworkers, people with whom we spend the most amount of time with secondary to our families, to not be able to eat lunch in fellowship (aka, NOT socially distanced) once the pandemic wanes. Social interaction, particularly in the workplace, reduces workplace stress, while increasing productivity, communication, and comradery. 

I also find it quite hypocritical that within this standard lies anti-discrimination wording for persons who wish to exercise their "rights" as laid out by the standard when persons who exercise their rights to NOT adhere to the Executive Order mandates (not law) or they fall into the medically exempt category are significantly discriminated against, in public and the workplace. 

Please reconsider the need for a permanent implementation of such measures. We will be though this soon enough.