The SAFE TO WORK Act (S. 4317) was first introduced as standalone legislation on July 20. The text of this proposed COVID-19 liability shield is included within the “skinny” coronavirus relief bill that recently failed a key vote in the Senate. As detailed in the attached, the SAFE TO WORK Act would afford U.S. businesses, nonprofits and local governments protections against liability for COVID-19 infections markedly stronger than those available under the immunity statutes enacted by the States. Under the proposed federal law, a plaintiff infected with COVID-19 would be required to prove through “clear and convincing” evidence: • The defendant failed to make reasonable efforts to comply with applicable government standards or guidance to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19; • The defendant acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct; and • That gross negligence or willful misconduct caused the plaintiff to contract COVID-19.