This week's Safety News You Need highlights the first permanent COVID-19 standard in the U.S.; reaction to the Biden Administration’s action on the pandemic; a new standard for respirator fit testing; and a final rule on driverless vehicle safety standards.

• Virginia has become the first U.S. state to enact a permanent COVID-19 standard. While the permanent standard reiterates many of the requirements and provisions of the state’s emergency temporary standard, it does include modifications and clarifications. Read more
• In response to the Biden Administration’s action on COVID-19 safety guidelines, former OSHA administrator David Michaels shared his thoughts on what this means for the agency and workplace safety. Read more
• A new ASTM standard test method helps to provide a better fit for negative-pressure half-facepiece particulate respirators. The goal of this standard is to make sure available respirators will fit a general worker population. Read more
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a final rule on driverless vehicle safety standards. The rule aims to modernize and clarify standards for vehicles with automated driving systems. Read more