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As schools and businesses look toward reopening, many have considered - either through state or local requirements or organizational preference - how best to institute daily COVID-19 health screenings. Many states have issued requirements that employers - depending on sector - screen employees prior to the beginning of each shift.

For example, in Massachusetts employers in the following sectors are required to screen workers at each shift for

This post was updated August 6, 2020 to reflect the most recent US DOL guidance. Updated information is bolded below.

 

States around the country are implementing travel-based quarantines for individuals entering their states, in the hopes of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 within their borders.

Employers are asking: Are employees entitled to emergency paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in the event of

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan borrowers have a bit more time to review and prepare their PPP Forgiveness Applications.

When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, the weeks that followed were marked by a flood of loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) set up by the new legislation. Under the PPP, employers are able to borrow forgivable loans to help cover payroll costs - including salaries, healthcare premiums, paid leave benefits, and state taxes on employee wages - during the

An unemployment benefits claim lands on your desk. You glance at the name of the employee, and it's someone who is still actively working at your company! How could someone employed at your company be filing for unemployment?

This scenario has played out across hundreds of business in numerous states over the past few weeks, most prominently in Washington, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island - though reports indicate the scam is occurring

As states loosen restrictions and look to re-open their economies, schools and businesses will return to a changed environment. Many routines that were previously taken for granted will need to be reevaluated. Similarly, organizations may recognize new efficiencies and tools that help navigate this changed environment and assist in managing employees.

Here are some considerations for employers and HR professionals as we all work toward

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This bill intends to provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. In the coming days and weeks, guidance will be provided on how to execute or implement the new requirements, and how to apply for the new benefits where applicable. In the meantime, individuals, employers and advisors must rely on a good faith interpretation of the act’s text.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law on March 18, 2020.  This is the second in what is expected to be a series of bills that aim to stimulate economic growth and ensure proper medical treatment and nutrition for those affected by COVID-19.
In the coming days and weeks, federal regulatory agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS), will provide guidance on how to execute or implement the new requirements. In the meantime, employers and advisors must rely on a good faith interpretation of the act’s text.  

For information on updates and changes, please check-in periodically with the CheckWriters FFCRA Resource Page.

Pandemic prevention is not typically on the radar of employers and HR professionals - but it's certainly on everyone's mind as the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads throughout the US and the world and significantly impacts employers.