Michigan prosecutor dismisses over 1,600 of governor’s COVID violations
A Wayne County, Michigan prosecutor has dismissed more than 1,600 ordinance violations and misdemeanor citations related to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus emergency orders that have been determined to violate the Michigan Constitution. Whitmer ordered and enforced some of the most restrictive coronavirus health-safety mandates in the country, sparking backlash from residents who protested at the state capitol. Just the News [with video]
Employees of Philadelphia community center claim retaliation after they raised COVID-19 concerns
Five former employees, who include youth counselors, program coordinators, maintenance staffers and who were fired after raising concerns about their employer’s handling of COVID-19, have filed a whistleblower lawsuit against a Philadelphia community center. It’s one of hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of employees during the pandemic. Philadelphia Inquirer
Iowa Capitol gets fifth positive case
A fifth person working at the Iowa Capitol tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Republican leaders have not approved a mask mandate, and the Iowa House speaker requires House members to vote on bills and attend committee meetings in person to speak. Senate rules allow members to attend committees remotely. Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)
Senators introduce bill protecting miners from COVID-19 exposure
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), as well as Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 Mine Worker Protection Act that would require the U.S. Department of Labor to issue an emergency temporary standard requiring mine operators to establish a plan to address occupational COVID-19 exposure and provide miners with necessary PPE. Among other requirements, mine operators would have to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan. WFXR (Roanoke, Va.)
Oregon OSHA proposes final, permanent COVID-19 safety rules for employers
Late last week, OR-OSHA published its final draft of proposed permanent COVID-19 safety rules, which, as of May 4, 2021, will replace the temporary rules. The proposed final rules are very similar to the temporary rules and include mandatory physical distancing, employee training and exposure risk assessment, infection control plan posting requirements, write attorneys John Dudrey and Karen O’Connor of Stoel Rives. JD Supra
What should employers expect from a national COVID-19 response strategy?
While much of the broad-based, 200-page National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness focuses on government initiatives, there are some key provisions directly or indirectly applicable to employers, writes attorney John L. Litchfield of Foley & Lardner LLP. National Law Review