Heather M. Sager Partner

Podcast: Reopening During a Pandemic: Understanding COVID-19-Related Labor & Employment Challenges For Businesses and Insurance

Originally published on April 2, 2020. Updated as of December 7, 2021. Recent updates noted below.

Employers throughout the United States are rightfully concerned about what they should be doing in light of the continued spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Essential Businesses in Several States Now Must Provide Face Masks to Employees

On April 3, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an updated recommendation that all workers and members of the general public should consider using non-medical face masks or face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 transmission and infection. 

Congress Passes the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

In a 90-8 vote, the U.S. Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The act expands unemployment benefits, mandates job protected paid and unpaid leave for reasons related to coronavirus, and requires certain employers to pay emergency sick leave. These provisions go into effect April 2, 2020, (15 days following signature by the president) and are in effect until December 31, 2020.

H.R. 6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Paid Leave, Emergency Leave, and Implications for the Workplace

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives shortly before 1:00 a.m. on March 14, 2020. H.R. 6201 amends several existing federal laws and creates new law to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on American workers and employers.