The Oregon Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) wants to replace the temporary Chinese virus rule, which is set to expire on May 4, with a permanent one that can only be repealed by OSHA "once it is no longer needed to address the coronavirus pandemic."

"The public health emergency triggered by COVID-19 remains a significant concern in Oregon – as we know, we have not yet defeated this disease and we clearly will not have done so by the time the temporary rule expires," stated Michael Wood, Oregon's OSHA administrator.

"As a result, it is critically important that we carry forward measures that we know are effective at combating the spread of this disease and reducing risks in the workplace."