On June 26, 2020, Governor Abbott issued an order re-imposing restrictions on certain businesses and services, a day after he announced a pause on future reopening steps. He has instituted several recent measures in an effort to contain COVID-19's spread.
The Colorado legislature recently passed the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, which will require all employers to provide three types of paid sick leave, including: COVID-19 emergency leave, paid sick and safe time, and public health emergency leave.
While actual enforcement was delayed at first, lately the U.S. Department of Labor has become quite active in prosecuting claims against businesses for alleged FFCRA violations.
San Diego County employers that scrambled to find thermometers to comply with the county’s prior health order (which was then superseded) learned that their efforts were not in vain, as the county revived its temperature check requirement on June 16.
As the U.S. continues to struggle with the impact of the pandemic on health, safety, and the economy, it is likely that many employers will have yet another issue to face as they attempt to maintain and reopen their businesses: lawsuits.
On June 22, 2020, and citing economic recovery needs and unemployment due to the pandemic, President Trump issued a proclamation outlining expected new temporary restrictions on H-1B, H-2B, J-1, and L-1 nonimmigrant worker visas.
As always, employers must prepare to file paperwork to secure workers’ compensation coverage for the upcoming policy year. This year, however, employers should bear in mind that employees who are teleworking must be considered as a different risk.
Various counties in Texas have issued orders mandating that businesses develop and implement a “Health and Safety Policy” that requires all employees or visitors to wear face coverings.
As the nation continues the gradual reopening of workplaces and the economy, the EEOC has updated its guidance to provide information to employers regarding their responsibilities under federal civil rights laws.
On June 5, 2020, Cal/OSHA issued temporary emergency guidance to assist physicians and other licensed health care professionals balance the benefits of providing mandated medical surveillance examinations against the risks of potential COVID-19 exposure.
