Category: COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has issued new guidance on the use of cloth face coverings, including recommendations for when face coverings may not be appropriate in the workplace.   The CDC guidance supplements  OSHA's 'Frequently Asked Questions" on the use of cloth face masks that were published in early June. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings "are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory...

This past Friday, the DOL issued a Field Assistance Bulletin (No. 2020-4) that clarifies circumstances under which an employee may take leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) due to closure of a summer camp or other program. As a refresher, the FFCRA requires most employers with fewer than 500 employees to offer paid leave for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes situations where an employee is unable to...

As businesses begin the challenge of reopening and ensuring the safety of employees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic , the EEOC issued important guidance last week regarding the use of antibody testing.   Antibody tests look for signs in the blood to determine whether the person being tested was ever infected with COVID-19—even if that person never showed symptoms.  While antibody tests do not test for immunity, they may nevertheless help...

On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the PPP Flexibility Act  into law.  The Act is intended to address some of the flaws in the Payroll Protection Program and subsequent guidelines that were revealed after borrowers attempted to navigate the requirements for use of loan proceeds in order to qualify for loan forgiveness. The PPP Flexibility Act consists of seven changes related to forgiveness, itemized below. PPP borrowers can choose to...

Earlier this year laws were passed to provide small businesses and their employees with relief from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Most seem to be aware that employers receive tax credits for the paid sick and family leave required under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”).  But the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) also provides a tax credit opportunity designed to...