Legislation recently introduced in the state Senate would provide certain individuals with the tools necessary to maintain mental and physical health as they work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals covered include first responders, workers in health care facilities, public assistance workers, and other direct support professionals.
The American Working Family Relief Action Plan would prioritize front-line workers in COVID-19 testing; create standards for the implementation of containment-control plans in health care facilities; require cleaning standards for workplaces that remain open during this crisis to meet or exceed state and federal standards for COVID-19 prevention; limit or suspend in-person services as much as possible by shifting to virtual assistance working standards for public workers classified as essential; and provide emergency funding for safety equipment and mental health supports for health care workers and other public sector workers classified as essential.
Sens. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery Bucks counties) and Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny County) introduced the bill.
“We must provide greater support and protections to the brave workers who protect, heal and comfort us,” Collett said. “Our doctors, nurses, first responders, senior care aides and others should not have to worry about getting sick or infecting others while performing their essential work.”