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.
Philadelphia Enacts COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
Philadelphia has joined a growing list of localities to require employers to provide employees paid COVID-19-related sick leave.
New York State Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination.
The American Rescue Plan Extends FFCRA Tax Credit, But Not the Mandate
On Mar. 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Plan extends the date employers can receive tax credits for qualified wages paid to employees from Mar. 31, 2021 until Sep. 30, 2021.
California Leave Bills Employers Should Watch
Though employers may feel like California just wrapped up its legislative session for 2020, the 2021 legislative session is already in full swing. Feb. 19 was the last day for the proposal of new bills.
2021 DMEC Covid-Related Leave Accommodation and Considerations Pulse Survey Results
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an exercise in agility, empathy, and innovation for employers across the globe. As we examine the changes of the past year — including economic uncertainty, … Read More
California’s Healthy Workplace Healthy Family Act Covers COVID-19
California currently has a patchwork of local COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave ordinances which remain in effect in 2021.
More Movement Towards Digital COVID-19 Vaccination Records
A key tech initiative as COVID-19 vaccinations begin rolling out are digital health passports. One example is being developed by a group of large tech companies, along with the Mayo Clinic, as part of the Vaccination Credential Initiative.
OSHA Issues New Guidance for Employers Combating COVID-19
On Jan. 29, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.”
CDC Expands Guidance on Informed Consent to Support Workplace SARS-CoV-2 Testing
As employers continue to grapple with a safe return to the workplace, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance for businesses and employers on SARS-CoV-2 testing of employees, as part of a more comprehensive approach to reducing transmission of the virus in non-healthcare workplaces.
California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave in 2021
In 2020, employers with employees in California were inundated with new compliance requirements brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the leave requirements of the FFCRA have expired, many local agencies are reviewing the supplemental sick leave ordinances that were adopted in 2020.
President Biden Calls for Reinstating and Expanding Mandatory Paid Leave as Part of COVID Relief Package
As all eyes were on Washington, D.C. last week with the inauguration of the 46th President. President Biden has laid out an “aggressive plan” to “change the course of the pandemic, build a bridge towards economic recovery, and invest in racial justice.”
Want to Know if Your Employees Received the COVID-19 Vaccine? Some Best Practices to Consider
While its rollout has been slow, the vaccine is being administered across the U.S. and in other countries. For a variety of reasons, organizations want to know whether their workforce members (employees, contractors, etc.) have been vaccinated. The EEOC has provided some guidance on the issue.
DOL Field Assistance Bulletins Clarify Telehealth and Telework Impact on FMLA Obligations
On Dec. 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued two field assistance bulletins aimed at clarifying obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act in light of the prevalence of telework and telehealth.