On September 1, 2021, Executive Directive 18 (ED 180) will take effect. Due to the growing threat from the highly contagious Delta variant, Governor Northam issued ED 18 to help protect Virginia’s workforce. ED 18 addresses disclosure of vaccination status, testing, and masking. These directives are directly applicable for state employees, and your organization could be affected depending on state-based contracts and jobsites.
As part of ED 18, all executive branch employees and state contractors entering the workplace or those with public-facing duties must disclose their vaccination status. Those who refuse to disclose or who are not fully vaccinated must get tested weekly for COVID-19 and disclose those results. They must also cover their mouth and nose with a mask while indoors and conducting public business.
The directive, including scope, can be found here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/ED-18-Ensuring-a-Safe-Work-Place.pdf.
ED 18 is applicable to many state offices and agencies as well as institutions of higher education. According to the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), ED 18 is also applicable to contract workers engaged in on-site or public-facing services through a state contract on behalf of state agencies. DHRM does provide information for testing exemptions for contract workers. For more information from DHRM, please see: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/docs/default-source/covid-19/interim-guidance-on-ed-18-contract-workers-8-13-21-final.pdf
At Circle Safety, we provide numerous safety services, including written programs for Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response, safety training, site audits, and more. Our experienced safety professionals can help your organization stay in compliance and keep your workers safe. If your organization needs assistance navigating the changing COVID-19 landscape, please contact us at 804-355-7255.
