California nursing home fined nearly $100K for COVID-19-related workplace violations
California state workplace regulators issued one of the largest fines yet to a Bakersfield, CA nursing home for COVID-19 related workplace violations, according to McKnight’s Business Daily.
Kingston Healthcare Center, a 184-bed skilled nursing facility, received a fine of $92,500 as a result of numerous violations detailed in a 23-page citation report issued by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health of California last month. Nearly 200 staff members and residents at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March, noted The Bakersfield Californian. Nineteen residents have died.
Some of the most serious citations from Cal/OSHA said Kingston did not establish and implement procedures to protect workers from COVID-19. Four employees spent time in the hospital as a result of COVID-19 complications. Those penalties alone cost about $87,000.
Booming secondhand clothing sales may help sustainability
According to a new report, the U.S. secondhand clothing market is projected to more than triple in value in the next 10 years – from $28 billion in 2019 to $80 billion in 2029 – in a U.S. market currently worth $379 billion. In 2019, secondhand clothing expanded 21 times faster than conventional apparel retail did, according to the Idaho Falls Post Register.
In the next 10 years, secondhand fashion is poised to grow 185%.
Secondhand clothing has long been perceived as worn out and tainted, mainly sought by bargain or treasure hunters. However, this perception has changed, and now many consumers consider secondhand clothing to be usable and fashionable. A trend of “fashion flipping” – or buying secondhand clothes and reselling them – has also emerged, particularly among young consumers.
Governor issues nighttime curfew through Dec. 21
In light of an unprecedented, rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health on Thursday announced a limited Stay at Home Order requiring generally that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in counties in the purple tier, including Trinity. The order will take effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and remain in effect until 5 a.m. Dec. 21.
This Limited Stay at Home Order will reduce opportunities for disease transmission with the goal of decreasing the number of hours individuals are in the community and mixing with individuals outside of their household. In particular, non-essential activities conducted during 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. are more likely related to social activities and gatherings that have a higher likelihood of leading to reduced inhibition and reduced adherence to preventative measures such as wearing face coverings and social distancing. The complete State Health Officer Order can be viewed at www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/limited-stay-at- home-order.aspx.
What public health officials have learned to date:
* Masks not only protect those around you, but the evidence is clear that they protect you too.
* Moving things outdoors significantly reduces the risk of exposure and transmission.
* Even those who do not have symptoms and appear healthy are spreading the virus.
Web Design & Development by Endertech