In light of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, Democrats have introduced expanded legislation that would require all employers to grant workers paid sick days.

Bill sponsors Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro showed leadership by separating paid sick days from the broader liberal campaign for paid family leave, which presents a far higher cost to employers and is a much heavier lift for lawmakers. Republicans, who have fought against mandating paid sick days, should not offer blind resistance. At the very least, they should consider the proposal as it affects health and long-term care workers.