Connecticut is requiring certain healthcare employees be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Connecticut joins other states, including Washington and Massachusetts, in mandating vaccination.
Puerto Rico Implements Mandatory Vaccination of Certain Employees
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has issued an Executive Order (EO-2021-058) making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all public employees in the Executive Branch.
New Jersey: Vaccines Or Testing for Workers in Healthcare and High-Risk Congregate Settings
New Jersey is requiring employers in covered healthcare and high-risk congregate settings to establish a policy that: (1) mandates vaccinations or weekly testing for workers; (2) creates a system to track the results of the applicable testing requirements; and (3) creates a system to communicate the results of such testing to local public health departments.
California Mandates Vaccination for Workers in the Healthcare Industry by Sep. 30
The California Department of Public Health issued a new “first in the nation” order mandating that workers who provide services or work in certain healthcare facilities receive their first dose of a one-dose vaccine or their second dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sep. 30, 2021.
IRS Updates FAQs to Include Leave to Accompany Someone to a COVID-19 Vaccination
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) extends tax credits available to covered employers who provide qualified sick and family leave wages (within the meaning of ARPA) to their employees between Apr. 1, 2021 through Sep. 30, 2021.
DHHS and DOJ Issue Guidance on “Long COVID” As a Disability
On July 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance explaining that “long COVID” can be a disability under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which apply to state/local government and public accommodations respectively.
To Mandate or Not To Mandate: DOJ Weighs In on Vaccination Mandates
Can employers mandate vaccines? The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) says they can, but before employers do, they should consider the many legal and practical risks.
Mask On? Mask Off? Mask On? What Employers Need to Know About The New CDC Guidance
The CDC is now recommending that everyone — including fully vaccinated individuals — wear masks in indoor public settings in all areas with substantial and high transmission of the COVID-19 virus and get tested following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
City of Los Angeles Requires Vaccine Leave for Employees Working in the City
California state and some local COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave requirements continue through the summer, and the City of Los Angeles’ mayor issued a public order mandating additional paid leave.
2021 DMEC ADA Accommodations Pulse Survey Results (May)
As COVID-19 continues to impact organizations, ADA accommodations have also been affected. In this pulse survey, we looked at the volume and types of accommodation requests organizations have seen since … Read More
OSHA’s Updated Guidance for COVID-19 in Workplaces
When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rolled out its COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard on June 10, 2021, it also issued its updated Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in non-healthcare workplaces.
Nevada Expands Paid Leave Rights for Employees, Including for COVID-19 Vaccination
Nevada has enacted a new law requiring employers to provide additional paid leave to allow employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and clarifying that employees may use existing paid leave to care for themselves and their family members.
Incentives: From Water Bottles to “Not So Substantial”
For years, the EEOC has waffled about whether incentives were permissible in connection with a medical inquiry under a voluntary wellness program. The EEOC issued its most recent pronouncement on the topic — this time related to incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Montana Makes Vaccination Status a Protected Class
Discrimination based on vaccination status is prohibited under a new Montana law (House Bill 702). Enacted on May 7, 2021, the new law went into effect immediately.
EEOC Updates Its Guidance On Vaccinations
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional informal guidance concerning COVID-19 vaccination issues.
What Does the CDC’s Latest Mask Guidance Mean For Businesses Open to the Public?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or social distance in many settings raises questions for businesses in retail, hospitality and other settings open to the public.
CDC Removes Mask Requirement For Fully Vaccinated In Some Settings
In a surprise move, the CDC followed the lead of the various states that have lifted their masking and physical distancing recommendations. However, the CDC’s new recommendations come with a twist.
Understanding Time Off From Work Obligations For COVID-19 Vaccinations
Last week, President Biden encouraged employers to pay employees for time off to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and highlighted the tax credits available for employers with less than 500 employees.
Employers Receive Clarification Regarding 2021 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
The COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave statute was signed into law a month ago and employers were faced with uncertainty as to whether their employee’s leave request qualified under the statute. Fortunately, the Labor Commissioner has updated its FAQs to provide further clarity to employers.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Setting Up On-Site Programs
The Biden administration has called for all people at least 18 to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by Apr. 19, 2021. Organizations considering setting up an on-site COVID-19 vaccination program have several issues to consider.