On June 15, 2021, the State of California took a step towards returning to some normalcy when it officially reopened for business after over a year of restrictions and closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, the state announced it would be easing, for vaccinated individuals, some of the restrictions set in place
California Department of Public Health Issues COVID-19 Travel Advisory Recommending 14 Days Self Quarantine for Any Non-Essential Travel Out of State
On November 13, 2020, in response to alarming increases in the incidence rates of COVID-19 in other countries and states, the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) issued a travel advisory to California residents.
The travel advisory expressly recommends that California residents not engage in non-essential travel out of the state at this time. CDPH
Department of Labor Issues Revised Regulations Concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On September 11, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) promulgated three revised regulations concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) (29 C.F.R. 826.) The revised regulations will take effect on September 16, 2020, upon publication of the revised rule in the Federal Register.
The DOL revised these regulations in response to a challenge by
Walking the Tightrope When Employees Refuse to Return to Work
If there is one word that defines this pandemic, it is fear. While we understand more about COVID-19 today than we did even a few weeks ago, including who may be more susceptible to severe complications, this pandemic still involves a dash of Russian roulette. It is therefore understandable that some employees – even perfectly
Returning to Work: How Employers Can Best Prepare for their Workforce Returning to the Office
Introduction
On March 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order for the entire state of California (with an exemption for essential workers) causing many public agencies, businesses, and schools to shut their doors. In an effort to reopen California’s economy, Governor Newsom announced a Resilience Roadmap setting out a four-stage plan that modifies
First Amendment Rights During Coronavirus – New Challenges For Government Agencies
Lawyers at our firm have practiced constitutional law for many years, and the coronavirus pandemic has presented circumstances in this area that many of us probably thought we would never see. Under normal principles of First Amendment law, speech in a traditional public forum such as a city park has a high level of protection
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Issues New Guidance Authorizing Employers to Test Employees for COVID-19
On April 23, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued updated guidance concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Rehabilitation Act and how employers may respond to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The EEOC makes clear that while the laws will continue to apply during the present public health emergency,
CalPERS Issues Circular Letter Explaining How Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Should be Tracked and Reported
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”) has answered several outstanding questions concerning how paid leave hours taken under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) should be tracked and reported. On April 16, 2020, CalPERS issued Circular Letter No. 200-021-20 which explains how to report compensation and track hours for employees taking leave under
Guide to Understanding the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (“PEUC”) Program under the CARES Act
Note: This is the second of a two-part series concerning federal unemployment assistance. You may access the first bulletin here.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) into law. Under that Act, the federal government established several programs to expand unemployment assistance to
Ensuring that Employees with Reduced Hours Qualify for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”)
Note: This is the first of a two-part series concerning federal unemployment assistance.
On March 27, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) into law. Under that Act, the federal government established two programs to expand unemployment assistance to workers who lose their jobs