New York Legislature Passes Covid-19 Worker Protection Bill (1)

New York is one step closer to shielding workers from airborne infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus, under a measure passed by the state Legislature.

The bill (S.1034B/A.2681B), known as the “Hero Act,” would require the state Department of Labor, in consultation with the state Department of Health, to create an airborne infectious disease safety standard. The legislation doesn’t set detailed requirements for employers, but the safety standard, once in place, would cover all private employers in the state, according to the bill.

The state Senate passed the measure Tuesday, and the Assembly approved the bill Monday. It ...