The American Rescue Plan Extends and Modifies the FFCRA

Daughter giving mother medicine

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“the Rescue Plan”). Employers should be aware of the key employment provisions of the Rescue Plan in managing their workforce and in evaluating and implementing their COVID-19 workplace policies and procedures. Notably, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package includes provisions extending […]

President Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill: Important Updates for Employers

On March 11, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“the American Rescue Plan Act” or “the Act”). The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package will provide continued economic relief to individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a summary of the key employment provisions included in the Rescue […]

New York Eases Travel Guidelines

car driving

New York is easing its rules for out-of-state travelers who have already received a Covid-19 vaccine. On March 3, 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that domestic travelers who have been fully vaccinated within 90 days of their trip will no longer have to quarantine or test out of quarantine when they arrive in New York. […]

CDC Issues New Guidance on Quarantine Exception for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

bandaid on arm having received vaccine

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently released updated materials on its website pertaining to when individuals should quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19.  The CDC now states that individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully […]

COVID-19 Issues in the Workplace: Changes, Challenges and Tips

The COVID-19 global pandemic has led to rapid and significant changes for employers across every industry. There continue to be immediate critical decisions that need to be made as well as those for which you need to plan to ensure long-term success. The requirements and legislative changes seem to be ever evolving and employers must […]

OSHA Issues Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace

sanitizer and masks on office chair

On January 29, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published updated guidance intended to provide strategies for non-healthcare employers and workers to identify risks of being exposed to and/or contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement. While most of the guidance is not new, it provides […]

New CDC Guidance Requires Informed Consent for Workplace COVID-19 Testing

covid testing materieals

On January 21, 2021, the United States Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) issued new guidance for non-healthcare employers who conduct workplace COVID-19 testing. The CDC states that while testing for COVID-19 may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing transmission in non-healthcare workplaces, the testing should not be conducted without employees’ informed […]

President Biden Issues Executive Orders Supporting COVID-19 Safety Protections for Workers

people at desks in masks

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, President Biden directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) to issue revised guidance for employers regarding COVID-19 safety protections for workers within two weeks. In the Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety, the President instructed the agency to increase enforcement of existing rules to help reduce the […]

Telemedicine Visits Qualify for Leave under the FMLA

Telehealth visit

On December 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a Field Assistance Bulletin addressing Telemedicine and Serious Health Conditions under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). The guidance reflects an evolving workplace landscape in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to promote social distancing while also ensuring the availability of […]