COVID-19: Employer Rights & Responsibilities-COVID-19: Employer Rights & Responsibilities

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar on coronavirus issues, Michael Airdoe, founding member of COPA and Airdoe LLC and AED's general counsel, provides information on the impact of the virus on employment and the new legislation that has been passed. He highlights that COVID-19 is a pneumonia-like infection that spreads person to person through touching and droplets. He emphasizes that the virus can be spread even before symptoms appear and recommends that employers keep an eye out for employees displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Airdoe answers various questions related to workplace safety, including the ability to send employees home if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and the obligation to report cases of COVID-19 to the CDC. He also discusses the new legislation, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which expands the eligibility for FMLA leave and paid sick leave to employers with 500 employees or less. Airdoe explains the job-protected leave, the payment requirements, and the tax credits available to employers. He advises employers to work with legal counsel and stay up to date with federal, state, and local guidance on COVID-19. Airdoe also addresses other concerns such as force majeure, discrimination laws, and workers' compensation. He concludes the webinar by urging employers to consult with their own legal counsel and accountants for specific advice and guidance on implementing the new legislation and to stay informed as the situation evolves.

Keywords

coronavirus issues

employment impact

new legislation

COVID-19

pneumonia-like infection

person to person transmission

symptoms

workplace safety

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

FMLA leave

paid sick leave