S.21.1-2: Southern COVID-19 Regulations Act (Passed)

[tmthforu94]

Southern COVID-19 Regulations Act

Section 1: School Regulations
1. All Southern Schools may operate in-person learning with the following conditions:
a. Masks must be worn at all times by students and staff, except when eating or drinking.
b. Social distancing practices must be encouraged at all times, with a minimum 6 feet apart rule enforced. Students and staff must regularly undergo temperature checks and must be sent home and participate virtually if temperature is deemed too high or if they are exhibiting other COVID-19 related symptoms.
c. In the event of a positive test from a student or staff member on-site, all operations must immediately move to virtual learning until affected areas have been cleaned and it is determined safe to return.
2. Repeated failure to comply with Section 1 of this act may result in loss of government funding.

Section 2: Business Regulations
1. Regional offices shall operate at a 50% capacity limit.
2. All Southern businesses may operate at 50% capacity with the following conditions:
a. Masks must be worn at all times by staff and guests, except when eating or drinking.
b. Social distancing practices must be encouraged at all times, with a minimum 6 feet apart rule enforced for separate parties.
3. These capacity restrictions shall be baseline numbers - local governments may adjust to a higher capacity percentage as needed based on the risk in their area.

Section 3: Implementation
1. This legislation shall go into effect immediately and will expire on March 31st, 2021, at which time, reauthorization by the legislature shall be required.

Sponsor: Tmthforu94 on behalf of Governor LouisvilleThunder

Minimum 48 hours for debate, the sponsor is invited to advocate for the bill.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

This act has two major aims: reopening schools and reopening businesses.

It serves no benefit to have a policy where schools are closed indefinitely, and our students have to deal with the subpar education provided by online learning. This bill has schools reopen while still maintaining safety precautions. The other section of the bill puts in place a baseline of 50% capacity being open to the public in businesses. This is important for keeping our economy from suffering further.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I am wholeheartedly in favor of this bill.

[tmthforu94]

To add to what the Governor said, we currently have no regulations in place regarding COVID-19 in the South. This sets forth common-sense rules that allows schools and businesses to operate safely. We will need to set a reminder to discuss this again in March and see how the situation has developed as the vaccine begins to get rolled out.

[tmthforu94]

No further discussion on this? I expected more people to have opinions.

I'm calling for a final vote, will start it tomorrow night unless there is discussion/amendments.

[reagente]

No further discussion on this? I expected more people to have opinions.

I'm calling for a final vote, will start it tomorrow night unless there is discussion/amendments.

I have nothing to add, I think this legislation is good as is.

[tmthforu94]

A final vote has started, please vote AYE, NAY or ABSTAIN.


Aye

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Aye

[reagente]

Aye

[Holy Unifying Centrist]

Aye

[tmthforu94]

This has enough votes to pass, delegates have 24 hours to change their votes.

[tmthforu94]

With 4 AYES and 3 not voting, this has passed and will be presented to the Governor for signature.