Virginia House passes COVID-19 presumption bill

The Virginia House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill that would provide death and disability benefits for certain employees who contract COVID-19 and their families.

H.B. 5028, which passed 61-37 and was sent to the state Senate, establishes a presumption that for firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law-enforcement officers, first responders, health care providers and school board employees, COVID-19 is an occupational disease compensable under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.

The presumption would apply unless they are “overcome by a preponderance of competent evidence to the contrary,” the bill states.

The bill would be effective retroactive to Jan. 1.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.