Reopening the economy could turn workplaces into "killing fields," ex-acting labor secretary says

Harris said the federal government needs to be more involved and issue specific guidelines for employers to protect workers and get people back to their jobs safely. 

“I think we can slowly, carefully reopen the country, but we have to do it in a way that makes sense and that keeps workers safe. And the President simply washing his hands of any responsibility for anything in this crisis is not the way to get there,” Harris said. “We need a coordinated federal state effort. We need the federal government to play the role that only the federal government can play with respect to workplace safety and health and producing the protective gear that we need. I'm really worried about it. I think that the experience we've had so far is not encouraging."