Governor Enacts COVID Presumptions for Frontline Workers

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee enacted bills creating presumptions that COVID-19 is a compensable occupational disease for frontline workers. Bills the governor enacted May 11 took effect immediately and apply to any infectious disease that is the subject of a public health emergency. Senate Bill 5190, by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Spokane, creates a presumption for health care workers who have direct contact with someone who has been exposed to or tested positive to a disease that is the subject of a public health emergency. Inslee also signed SB 5115, by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, that applies t...