Washington council sends COVID-19 bill to mayor

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has until Nov. 3 to sign a district council bill that would prohibit retaliation against employees who test positive for COVID-19 and assist businesses in acquiring personal protective equipment during the public health emergency, among other changes.

 

Council Bill 230871, which passed the district council on Sept. 22, also calls for employers to adopt and implement social distancing and worker protection policies to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

 

The bill allows for the mayor’s office to conduct investigations into violations, with fines ranging from $50 to $500.

 

The bill, dubbed “temporary,” would go into effect upon the mayor’s approval.

 

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