Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19"

The U.S. Department of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, has announced new dates for several trade missions, adjusting schedules to account for COVID-19 concerns. These missions include various business development and trade initiatives involving countries like Peru, Chile, India, and Vietnam. The changes also extend deadlines for applications, allowing more time for U.S. companies to participate if conditions permit. The intended missions aim to promote business opportunities and U.S. exports while ensuring the safety of participants.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc. has applied to expand their recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. This expansion involves adding fourteen more test standards to the scope of their recognized capabilities. OSHA is currently reviewing the applications and is seeking public comments on whether TUV Rheinland meets the requirements for this recognition expansion. Comments and requests for more time to comment should be submitted by February 18, 2021.

The NYSE American LLC has proposed a change to their options fee schedule, which involves continuing the waiver of some floor-based fixed fees. This extension is intended to assist market participants who have struggled to return to their normal operational levels on the trading floor due to COVID-19 restrictions. The fee waiver will help reduce monthly costs for firms affected by these disruptions until at least March 2021 or until the trading floor fully reopens. Additionally, this change aims to support fair competition and equitable fee allocation among its members.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic, one requested by Pfizer, Inc., and the other by ModernaTX, Inc. These Authorizations allow the use of vaccines to help manage the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Authorizations include specific conditions and are part of efforts to protect public health and national security in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The FDA ensures that such products can be used when there are no adequate, approved alternatives available.

The Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC proposed a rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend their Exchange Rule 1308, concerning the supervision of accounts. The changes involve removing outdated rule text and allowing members more time to complete their 2020 branch office inspections due to COVID-19 challenges, with extensions up to March 31, 2021, and allowing remote inspections for both 2020 and 2021. These temporary rules aim to address operational challenges faced by members during the pandemic while still maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting investors. The Exchange aligns these proposals with similar temporary rules from FINRA and Cboe to assist members in navigating the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced its meeting schedule for early 2021 under the Sunshine Act. No meetings are planned for the weeks of January 25, February 1, February 22, and March 1. Public meetings will be held on February 11 and February 18 to discuss topics like dry cask storage of nuclear fuel and equal employment opportunity. Due to COVID-19, public attendance at these meetings will be virtual via webcast, and accommodations are available for those with disabilities.

Citrus World, Inc. submitted a petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on December 21, 2020. They are asking FERC to issue a declaratory order that provides a partial waiver of certain regulations related to cogeneration qualifying facilities, except for sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act. Anyone wishing to protest or intervene in response to this petition must adhere to FERC's specified rules and file by January 11, 2021. Due to COVID-19, the public cannot access FERC's Public Reference Room, but electronic and mailed filings are encouraged.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted an information collection request for the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) to be reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget. This request, part of the Paperwork Reduction Act, focuses on collecting health-related data on reportable diseases from various jurisdictions, including 60 U.S. territories and freely associated states. The proposal includes new data collection for diseases like COVID-19 and Anthrax, and aims to enhance data quality and reduce data collection burdens through electronic means. The CDC encourages public comments on the information collection, emphasizing areas such as the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the proposed data gathering.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a series of virtual meetings from March 1 to March 5, 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns. The meetings will include various committees such as Law Enforcement, Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management, Mackerel Cobia, Snapper Grouper, and others. A formal public comment session is scheduled, and the Council will discuss issues like amendments for fishery management plans, the impact of COVID-19 on fisheries data collection, and updates on electronic reporting. Participants need to register for the webinar to attend the meetings.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.