Category: COVID-19

In one of the first rulings of its kind, a federal judge upheld a company policy requiring that employees at a Texas hospital be vaccinated against COVID-19.  The lawsuit, brought by 117 employees against Houston Methodist Hospital, bore all the hallmarks of a frivolous case: dubious application of legal doctrines, conspiracy theories, and (of course) Nazi comparisons. It alleged claims for wrongful termination, violations of federal law governing...

On May 13, 2021, the CDC issued its "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" which advised that fully vaccinated people (meaning two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series or 2 weeks after the single-dose vaccine), in non-healthcare settings, no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting (indoors included), except where required by applicable laws, rules or regulations,...

The coronavirus relief package passed by Congress last week was signed by President Donald Trump on Sunday, December 27, 2020.  The new law does not extend the paid leave mandates enacted under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), which are set to expire on December 31, 2020.  Next year employers will no longer be required to provide paid sick or family leave for employee absences caused by coronavirus-related reasons. ...

On December16, 2020, the EEOC issued its first guidance for employers on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace.  Below is a summary of the question and answer guidance. Is the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine by an employer (or third-party on behalf of an employer) a “medical examination” for purposes of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)? No.  The vaccination itself is not a medical examination because an employer who...