OSHA extends comment period for COVID-19 ETS

Washington — OSHA has extended until Jan. 19 the comment period on its emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking.

According to a Nov. 30 press release, the extension allows stakeholders additional time to review the ETS as well as collect information and data necessary for comment. OSHA published the ETS in the Nov. 5 Federal Register, with the initial comment period slated to end Dec. 6.

The fate of the ETS is still unclear. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals halted the implementation and enforcement of the rule by granting a stay Nov. 12. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals is slated to consider a consolidated challenge to the ETS in the near future.