COVID 19 RESOURCES

A Legislative Update for Employers Regarding COVID-19

Late Friday, the United States House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “Act”). The President has tweeted his support of the legislation, and the Senate will take it up this week.  

The Act promises relief for employers and employees impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Specifically, the Act provides for paid emergency leave, including two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave. Employees are eligible for the leave under the Act if they fall into any of these categories: the employee has a diagnosis of COVID-19, the employee is quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus, the employee provides care for someone diagnosed with the virus, or the employee is impacted by school closures. These employees are eligible to receive two-thirds of average wages, subject to a $4000 cap. The Act also extends unemployment benefits to employees impacted by the virus.

We will continue to monitor this legislation and its impact on our clients.