The European Commission classified the novel coronavirus as a mid-level threat to workers, drawing criticism from socialist lawmakers because the move will allow less stringent workplace safety measures than if the virus was deemed a high risk, Reuters reported.

The Commission, the EU’s executive arm, classified the novel coronavirus as a level-3 hazard on a four-step risk list on which level 4 is the highest.

The decision has wide economic and health implications as it could affect companies’ costs in restarting business activity and have an impact on workers’ safety.