Major announcements – COVID-19 CA Order, Federal and NY State Bill and more
Things are moving very fast with the U.S. government stepping in to give support to businesses and workers impacted by COVID-19. In the past 24 hours two bills were passed providing assistance to eligible workers.
You may have been aware of the federal bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), however what was more of a surprise was New York Governor Cuomo’s Bill which provides generous job protection and paid leave for eligible workers in New York State. California State has also announced last night a stay at home order.
Here is an overview of the updates with links to the bills/acts themselves if you want to read further.
Major Announcement – California Ordered To Stay Home
California tonight issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is in effect immediately until further notice.
Those working in essential industries are considered exempt, and if residents need to leave the house for necessities such as food, prescriptions or health care they are to observe social distancing. According to the State, workers may qualify for disability benefits or unemployment insurance and Paid Family Leave if caring for someone who’s sick due to COVID-19.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Federal Bill signed by current Administration)
The FFCRA provides sweeping changes to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and also to the provision of Paid Sick Leave (PSL) federally. These changes although positive to workers would come with substantial business costs. Within the Federal Act (FFCRA) an exemption is provided for employers with over 500 workers, in these cases workers would continue to be eligible for FMLA under the standard requirements and paid sick leave if they’re working in a jurisdiction that provides this benefit. You can view the bill here. There is also a third Federal bill expected to be signed shortly.
New York State Program Bill (NY Bill Providing Additional 14 Days Paid Sick Leave)
The New York Bill effective once Governor Cuomo’s order is released applies to you if you have non-essential workers employed in New York State. The New York Bill stated that employers must provide 14 days of paid sick leave and job protection for any NY workers who are required to stay home during a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation by any government entity authorized to issue such an order due to COVID-19, and is unable to work remotely.
When enacting the Bill, Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order, stating that essential businesses, those deemed to provide essential services, would not be subject to the required in-person workforce restrictions. Whereas, those businesses that are not essential must reduce their in-person workforce by 75%. You can view the Act here.
Other US States
Other states are likely going to follow suit, Philadelphia – has also ordered that any non-essential businesses are to close and to allow workers to work remotely if possible. For businesses that close, workers will be allowed to use their paid sick leave. Oregon is providing paid sick leave for anyone unable to physically attend work due to a public health emergency, even if not personally symptomatic.
Canada Updates
Ontario is proposing legislature that will provide job-protected leave to workers in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to stay home from work to care for children because of school or daycare closures. Canada has also announced information on unemployment benefits:
● The one week waiting period for claiming Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits has been waived for eligible workers in quarantine or directed to self isolate.
● Temporarily laid off workers may qualify for Regular EI.
Disclaimer: All information written here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional and/or legal services.
