Legislation to provide support to frontline workers facing the coronavirus pandemic is being introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate, two Democrats announced March 31.

The measure, backed by Sens. Maria Collett, D-Montgomery, and Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, would provide emergency funding for safety equipment, including personal protective equipment such as N95 masks, and mental health support for health care workers and other public sector workers classified as essential; create clear standards for the implementation of containment control plans in health care facilities; give priority to frontline workers for COVID-19 testing; limit in-person services as much as possible by using technology; and set cleaning standards for workplaces that remain open during the crisis to meet or exceed state and federal standards for COVID-19 prevention.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to change how we live our lives," Williams said. "Some of us have the ability to work from home, but our front-line workers do not have that luxury. They are out working in dangerous conditions, putting themselves and their families at increased risk on a daily basis. We owe it to them to prioritize their health and safety so that they can continue to provide the life-sustaining services that we all rely on."

Collett said the new standards were needed to protect first responders and others doing work during the pandemic.

"Our doctors, nurses, first responders, senior care aides and others should not have to worry about getting sick or infecting others while performing their essential work," said Collett, who is a nurse, in a statement.