News Digest 2-25-2021

 

Study: COVID-19 virus survives on fabric for three days

A new study by researchers at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom has revealed the COVID-19 virus can linger on fabric, such as clothing or upholstery, for up to three days, a finding that could have particular implications for healthcare employees. If not frequently washed, the fabrics could help transmit the virus from patient to patient. New York Post

 

Virginia delegates rally support for COVID workers’ compensation bill

Advocates for Virginia’s nurses and first responders are rallying support for legislation that would extend coverage to include COVID-19 as a work-related illness for healthcare employees directly involved in diagnosis and treatment of COVID patients. The COVID presumption is retroactive in the Virginia House bills, but concerns about the cost spurred members of the state senate to leave it out of its legislation. WDBJ (Roanoke, Va.)

 

Former Charlotte policeman says riots gave him PTSD

A former, veteran Charlotte, North Carolina policeman was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after last year’s riots but says he wasn’t able to get the therapy he needed. He applied for workers’ compensation to get help paying the bills but the city initially denied his claim. The officer says that at a mediation last week, the city switched gears and agreed to terms. WCNC (Charlotte, N.C.)

 

Nebraska: Lincoln raises workers’ comp to families of fallen officers

The families of Lincoln, Nebraska police- and firemen who die on the job will receive more workers’ compensation after the city council on Monday unanimously passed a measure prompted by the killing of a policeman. Previously, a city ordinance limited compensation the family could receive at the equivalent of the officer’s full pension. The ordinance will apply to deaths of firemen or police killed by third parties while on duty or in accidents related to their response to a fire or another emergency call. Lincoln Journal Star

 

FEMA warns about contractor fraud related to storm damage

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, through the internet, or in person, and FEMA is urging citizens to beware of contractor fraud in the wake of this past week of bad weather. Fox44 (Waco)

 

Louisiana State Police says staff size limits insurance fraud investigations

Lack of staff and information is keeping Louisiana State Police from investigating most of the fraud claims the Department of Insurance refers, a member of its insurance fraud and auto theft unit told a state legislative task force this week. The task force also heard that one measure that could be driving up insurers’ costs, leading them to increase rates, is doctors inflating medical costs for accident plaintiffs. One witness suggested courts use the workers’ compensation rate schedule. The Center Square