Virginia Could Be First State to Enact Worker Virus Protections

Virginia is moving toward becoming the first state to enact an emergency temporary rule protecting most workers from the coronavirus.

The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board in Richmond on Wednesday voted 9-3 to approve a resolution declaring Covid-19 to be a “grave danger” to workers and that there’s a need for an emergency temporary standard.

The state’s Department of Labor and Industry proposed wording for the rule, but the board adjourned after agreeing to consider the text at a later meeting. Once enacted, the rule would stay in effect for at least six months or until it’s replaced by ...