EEOC Updates Guidance to Permit COVID-19 Testing

Kristina GrimshawApril 27, 2020Virus, Pandemic, Disability, Testing

Updated Guidance on Federal and State COVID Leave Laws

The federal Department of Labor and New York State have issued additional guidance in the form of FAQs clarifying some of the ambiguities in the recently enacted leave laws. Below is a brief summary of some of the relevant clarifications.

Kristina GrimshawMarch 26, 2020Virus, Employee Health, Pandemic, Sick Leave, FMLA, Disability, Paid Family Leave

Federal Government and New York State Enact COVID Leave Legislation

On March 18, President Trump signed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (the “Families First Act” or the “Act”). Among other provisions, the Act expands the coverage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) through December 31, 2020 to cover childcare needs related to a public health emergency for all employers with fewer than 500 employees. The Act also requires such leave to be paid, up to a cap. In addition, the Act provides emergency paid sick leave for all employers with fewer than 500 employees. To offset these costs, the Families First Act grants employers tax credits for amounts paid for expanded FMLA and sick leave, up to specific caps. The expanded FMLA and emergency paid sick leave requirements go into effect on April 1, 2020. Additionally, on March 17, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state government had come to an agreement regarding the provision of emergency paid leave for employees impacted by mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus.