covid19 Tag
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused uncertainty, stress and worry for many for the past few weeks. Even as businesses reopen and restrictions are lifted, many Americans are experiencing considerable anxiety.02 Jul Application Deadline for Small Business Loans Extended
Congress has passed legislation to extend the application deadline for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through Aug. 8, 2020.
Prior to the extension, the deadline to apply for these funds was June 30, 2020. The extension enables eligible small businesses to apply for funding for five more weeks. The legislation has been sent to President Trump, who is expected to sign the measure into law.
25 Jun OSHA Guidance for Reopening Nonessential Businesses
On June 18, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released guidance to help employers plan how to reopen nonessential businesses. The guidance also addresses issues employers should consider as they ask their employees return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OSHA’s guidelines for reopening nonessential businesses provide general principles for updating restrictions that were originally put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
25 Jun FDA Warns of Possibly Toxic Hand Sanitizer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to refrain from using nine brands of hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico. The FDA made this announcement after discovering these brands’ hand sanitizers may contain methanol, or wood alcohol, which is...
25 Jun Determining Whether a COVID-19 Case Is Workrelated
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created massive change and concern for employers and employees across the world. Even as businesses reopen and employees return to their new normal, the risk of becoming exposed to and ill with COVID-19 is still present. When an employee reports...
25 Jun States Update Employee Leave Requirements for Coronavirus
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, states have passed new laws and issued new regulations and guidance about employee leave taken for COVID-19 reasons. These provisions are in addition to the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion requirements...
25 Jun Federal Agencies Issue More FAQs on Coronavirus-related Changes for Health Plans
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (Departments) have provided answers to a second set of frequently asked questions (FAQs Part 43) about health coverage issues related to COVID- 19, including implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The FAQs provide guidance on a variety of topics related to health plan coverage. For example, the FAQs:
- Provide that COVID-19 testing for surveillance or employment purposes is not subject to the coverage mandate under the FFCRA and CARES Act;
- Confirm that the FFCRA and the CARES Act generally prohibit balance billing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing;
- Allow health plans to revoke the temporary COVID-19-related coverage changes without satisfying certain notice deadlines, provided participants are notified within a reasonable time frame in advance of the reversal of the changes; and
- Allow large employers to offer coverage for telehealth and other remote care servicesto employees who are not eligible for any other group health plan offered by the employer during the public health emergency.
24 Jun Fostering Inclusivity in a Post-coronavirus Workplace
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are not new concepts. However, as the threat of COVID-19 shifts, it’s important for businesses to not simply have a plan, but fully embrace those concepts. People have gained new and varied perspectives while living through and preparing to emerge...
19 Jun California Issues Statewide Order to Wear Face Coverings in Public or High-risk Settings
On June 18, 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order requiring Californians to wear face coverings while in various public or high-risk settings—including when shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care.
The order comes following growing concerns from public health officials that recent spikes in COVID-19 cases are related to residents not taking the proper precautions to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Review the following guidance for further information on when face coverings are required and exemptions to the order.
18 Jun HR Toolkit – Virtual Interviewing
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affecting workplaces, many employers are adopting remote and virtual practices—including interviewing. This toolkit is designed to guide you step by step through the virtual interview process and help you find the right people for your organization. [caption id="attachment_61665" align="alignleft" width="231"]...