As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads – with cases now reported in some 41 states including Michigan – employers continue to have questions about how they should protect their workers while still operating their businesses and serving their customers. Following the EEOC’s lead, OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor recently released guidance and resources to assist employers and employees in understanding how the virus may impact them in the workplace. OSHA’s guidance discusses basic facts about COVID-19, how it can impact the workplace and steps that employers should take to assess and reduce the risk of exposure to employees. It also contains links to other resources regarding the illness.
The DOL released a series of FAQs, which focuses on pay, work from home and volunteer issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as how the Family and Medical Leave Act may apply to absences due to COVID-19.
Members of our Labor and Employment Practice Group continue to monitor developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as guidance and directives published by state and federal agencies. If you have questions, please contact your Warner attorney.