Many employers are now grappling with how to deal with the various implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Epstein Becker Green has been tracking the issue for some time, and we have a number of attorneys collaborating with clients on these issues.
Please see below for recent news items and visit our Coronavirus in the Workplace resource center for ongoing updates.
Epstein Becker Green Coronavirus News and Updates
March 1, 2020 – In the News
Susan Gross Sholinsky Quoted in “Coronavirus and the Workplace: What If the Boss Says to Stay Home?”
The New York Times
February 28, 2020 – Client Advisories
Responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Update on Best Practices for Employers
Act Now Advisory
Susan Gross Sholinsky; Frank C. Morris, Jr.; Steven M. Swirsky; Dean L. Silverberg; Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper; Maxine Adams
Since releasing our Advisory on January 30, 2020, there have been significant developments in connection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19” or “Coronavirus”). For example, on February 25, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) warned Americans that the Coronavirus was likely to hit the United States and that they should begin making preparations.
Below, we provide some updates since our January 30th Advisory, as well as best practices in responding to these issues. ...
February 26, 2020 – Video
Kickstarter Unionization, Coronavirus Guidance, Class Action Waivers
Employment Law This Week® - Episode 152
Coronavirus Guidance Is Released for Employers (Video)
Last week, government agencies released several different coronavirus guidance documents for employers:
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released general guidance as well as separate guidance for health care employers.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released general guidance and additional industry-specific guidance for health care, death care, laboratories, airline operations, border protection, and waste management.
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California’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health provided guidance under the state’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.
Here’s more on preparing your infectious disease plans now.
February 24, 2020 – In the News
Erika Collins, Susan Gross Sholinsky Quoted in “As Coronavirus Spreads, Prepare Infectious-Disease Plans”
SHRM
February 19, 2020 – Video
Component 2 Pay Data Shutdown, CDC Coronavirus Guidance, and California Employers Fight Back
Employment Law This Week® - Episode 151
CDC Issues 2019 Novel Coronavirus Guidance for Employers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidance that provides clarity on how employers should respond to the coronavirus outbreak. For additional information on best practices for balancing employee interests, click here.
February 12, 2020 – Video
Coronavirus Balancing Act, Vaccination Requirements, #MeToo
Employment Law This Week®
Coronavirus Outbreak: A Balancing Act for Employers (Video)
Death tolls from the coronavirus outbreak continue to rise. International employers, especially, are wondering what to do now. Susan Gross Sholinsky discusses the best practices for balancing employee interests. Read more.
Mandatory Vaccination Requirements
Health care employers must prioritize patient safety when facing threats from viruses in their workplace. Now is the time to review your mandatory vaccination policies. Remember to allow for reasonable accommodations and engage in an interactive process.
February 11, 2020 – Client Alerts
February 2020 Immigration Alert
Jang Hyuk Im, Patrick G. Brady, Jungmin Choi, Arit Butani
The Coronavirus and Its Impact on Those Traveling from China
On January 31, 2020, in response to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, the Trump administration, through Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, announced a temporary ban on foreign nationals entering the United States if they had visited China during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The ban began on February 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. (EST). ...
February 10, 2020 – In the News
Susan Gross Sholinsky Quoted in “Coronavirus: HR’s Role”
Human Resource Executive
February 5, 2020 – Video
Joint Employment, Coronavirus, Medical Marijuana Protections
Employment Law This Week® - Episode 149
Coronavirus Outbreak and the Workplace
The coronavirus outbreak is spreading across the globe. Last week, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency, and employers are preparing for the potential threat.
January 30, 2020 – Client Advisories
Responding to the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Outbreak: Best Practices for Employers
Act Now Advisory
William J. Milani, Susan Gross Sholinsky, Frank C. Morris, Jr., Steven M. Swirsky, Dean L. Silverberg, Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper, Maxine Adams
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“2019-nCoV” or “Coronavirus”) is a rapidly spreading respiratory illness that is raising important issues for employers.
Employers are faced with balancing their obligation to maintain a safe and healthful workplace with an employee’s right to be free from discrimination. In this Advisory, we have addressed the legal framework pertaining to Coronavirus risks in the workplace. The information from public health officials is changing quickly as the disease spreads, so employers should continue—as we are—to monitor guidance provided by agencies charged with guiding the public, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health agencies.
In connection with this Advisory, we have prepared a “2019 Novel Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions for Employers” document, which addresses an employer’s obligations and permissible actions. ...
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