RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Dozens of people Tuesday spoke against a proposed rule that would require businesses to take certain precautions in the case of a future pandemic or public health emergency.
Several workers’ rights groups petitioned the North Carolina Department of Labor for the rule, which would require businesses to make a plan that would go into effect if health officials declare a public health emergency.
Those plans could include providing workers with masks, distancing, testing, ventilation, and other plans to minimize the spread of an airborne illness.
Many of the people who spoke at Tuesday’s public hearing cited opposition to masking and costs to business owners among reasons they do not want the Department of Labor to adopt the rule.
“They will incur additional burdens and cost for all employers in compliance, with testing expense, cleaning crew costs, and additional cumbersome tasks,” one speaker said.
“I oppose codifying masking, testing, tracking, tracing, third party reporting,” said another, who added that her family defied mask mandates during the COVID pandemic.