News Digest 2-23-2021

 

White House COVID advisor can’t explain why Florida, California have similar numbers despite strict California restrictions

White House Senior Adviser for COVID Response Andy Slavitt last week said Florida and California having similar coronavirus numbers despite California having strict restrictions is an example of some things about the virus being “a little bit beyond our explanation.” Breitbart

 

Virginia first responders bills advance

Although they have not resolved all differences, Virginia lawmakers have passed bills that allow certain first responders to file for workers’ compensation for COVID-19 disability. The measures would make COVID-19 an occupational disease for firemen, emergency medical services personnel and law enforcement or correctional officers. CBS19 (Charlottesville, Va.)

 

Lawsuits filed in connection with Georgia nitrogen leak that killed six

Two wrongful death lawsuits have been filed in connection with the liquid nitrogen leak at a Gainesville, Georgia food plant that killed six people last month. One of the lawsuits alleges the gas company failed to properly inspect or handle concerns about the liquid nitrogen system, even after an unsuccessful service repair attempt a few days before the leak. WMAZ

 

No workers’ comp paid so far at Minnesota meatpacking plants

Cases of COVID-19 are down substantially across Minnesota since last spring, when sudden outbreaks in meat-processing plants and surrounding communities forced temporary facility shutdowns. About 18,000 people have filed workers’ compensation claims, saying they contracted COVID-19 while working in Minnesota. Half of the claims have been paid so far. But according to state records, none of those paid are from the state’s largest meat-processing plants. Minneapolis Star-Tribune