COVID-19 Liability Shield Welcomed by Leading Retailers

By [ Michael Hanson ]
Washington, DC
07/27/2020

Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Michael Hanson issued the following statement in support of the liability reform provision included in the HEALS Act introduced today in the U.S. Senate:

“Since the first appearance of COVID-19, retailers and their employees have been working diligently to ensure customers have the goods and services they need during this pandemic. Retailers have followed safety guidelines and mandates issued by the CDC, state, and local governments and are implementing innovative ways to improve the shopping experience to further protect employees, customers, and the communities in which they operate. Federal law should protect, not punish, these employers when they can demonstrate they have followed safety guidelines and mandates issued by government authorities.

“The proposal announced today creates a federal shield for employers against meritless COVID-19 claims. Leading retailers welcome the protection. During these incredibly challenging times, retailers want to dedicate their resources towards rebuilding their operations and rehiring employees, not on expensive legal fees required to defend against baseless claims. RILA appreciates Sen. John Cornyn’s (R-TX) leadership on this issue and looks forward to building bipartisan support for this needed legal reform as Congress negotiates the next COVID relief legislative package.”

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