State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-1st, plans to introduce legislation that would help reduce exposure of the coronavirus to “front-line retail workers” like cashiers, pharmacy workers, gas station attendants and others who work in essential businesses.

The legislation, COVID-19 Retail and Grocery Store Worker Safety Act, would enact into law practices include social distancing of employees and customers, the use of barriers to decrease contact, store cleaning practices, employee access to hygiene stations and hand sanitizer, paid leave for sick employees and protocols for treating employees who are exposed to COVID-19 within the workplace.

Harkins’ district includes Erie.