Coronavirus Taskforce

KEY ALERTS

Federal Law Developments 

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
• EEOC's New Guidance Addressing the ADA, Rehabilitation Act and COVID-19

State and Local Laws

• State Announcements
• Dallas' Paid Sick Leave Ordinance 
• Georgia Department of Labor Requires Employers to File Partial Unemployment Claims
• New York State Enacts Emergency Paid Sick Leave Law

HIPAA and Tax/Benefits Issues

• HIPAA and Coronavirus

Industry Specific Issues

• Immigration-Specific Coronavirus Resources
• FAA Issues COVID-19 Interim Health Guidance for Air Carriers and Crews
• Coronavirus Impact on Healthcare Employers

Our team of attorneys works closely with clients to evaluate their policies and readiness when dealing with Coronavirus, including easing employee fears, taking proactive steps to decrease risk, and providing employees with timely and accurate information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization’s risk assessment at the global level now is very high. The illness has spread across the United States. No vaccine is available and may not be for a year or longer.

Businesses are working hard to develop contingency plans, while trying to balance health risks, employee concerns, and running the business. FordHarrison is working closely with clients on a daily basis to consider the business and employment issues every employer is confronting. Some of these issues include:

• Employee attendance

• Working remotely

• Limiting travel

• Leaves of absence

• Whether and how to pay employees unable to work or quarantined

• Staffing if schools are closed

• Multiple employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, OSHA, NLRA, Title VII, FLSA, and a myriad of state and local laws

There are multiple resources for employers to obtain guidance and information about the Coronavirus, its spread and severity, and proactive ways to address it. You can find our list of federal agency links and industry resources here. 
 

For a global perspective on Coronavirus, click here for information from Ius Laboris and click here for top tips for international employers.

Efforts to stem the spread of Coronavirus have had a significant impact on employers who provide immigration sponsorship (both temporary and permanent) for employees.  But these impacts are also being felt more generally by all employers, in the context of Form I-9 compliance, government audits, and the immigration requirements applicable to all employers.  We believe these impacts and challenges will continue for the foreseeable future as governments and businesses deal with this public health crisis. Our Coronavirus Taskforce Immigration page, enables clients to easily access information on various immigration-related coronavirus issues, including governmental travel bans, changes in immigration processes, suspension of government services, and office closings as well as practical tips on how businesses can manage the impact of this global healthcare crisis as it relates to immigration issues.