News
ISSA Coronavirus Government Response Update—Expedited EPA Review for Products Adding Residual Efficacy Claims
October 21, 2020
Welcome to the ISSA Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep our members up to date on government affairs related to the cleaning industry and COVID-19. Today’s update touches on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expediting the agency’s review for products adding residual efficacy claims, Senate Democrats voting against a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) stimulus bill, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) coronavirus violations increasing to over US$1 million, and more.
EPA Establishes Expedited Pathway for Residual Disinfectant Claims
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established testing procedures and an expedited pathway for manufacturers to apply for disinfectant claims of “residual” or “long-lasting” effectiveness on surfaces against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Specifically, the EPA issued interim guidance, effective immediately, that specifies the scientific testing requirements for two types of antimicrobial products—supplemental residual antimicrobial products and residual disinfectants. While ISSA encourages members to comment on the new policy directly with EPA, we also ask you to provide your feedback by November 30, 2020, as we consider comments on this interim guidance.
Democrats Vote against PPP Bill; McConnell Tells White House Not to Make Deal
Most Democrats in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted against a standalone coronavirus relief bill that would restart the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Forbes reported. The vote came as the prospect of agreement in Washington, D.C. on a more comprehensive bill dimmed yet again amid reports that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY-R) Tuesday cautioned the White House against making a deal in the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Democrats led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA-D).
OSHA Coronavirus Violations Reach $1.2M
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited 85 establishments for coronavirus violations totaling $1,222,156 in fines since the pandemic started. OSHA previously reported 62 organizations had been cited last month. Since October 1, the administration has fined an additional 23 establishments more than $300,000 in violations. The alleged abuses include failures to implement actions that would protect workers from injuries and infectious disease.
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