This Special Bulletin follows up on our February 5, 2020 Special Bulletin on COVID-19, the novel coronavirus of 2019.  The information in that Special Bulletin remains valid, including those steps individuals can take to lessen the spread of the virus.

In the past month, COVID-19 spread throughout much of the world, including to the

In this Special Bulletin, we address how to respond to potential employment issues arising from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“Coronavirus”) and we recommend steps to limit the impact of the Coronavirus in the workplace.

The Public Health Response and Current Situation

As of January 27, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) 

The allegations of sexual harassment and assault levied against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein have been front page news for the last week.  The board of directors of his company swiftly voted to terminate his employment, but only time will tell what impact Mr. Weinstein’s transgressions (and alleged criminal activity) will have on his former company. 

Personnel-Policies

Prevention of liability starts with auditing your agency’s personnel rules.  Indeed, in an employment-related lawsuit, the applicable personnel rule is often “Exhibit A.”  Each year, public agencies face changes to employment laws and regulations, best management practices, and internal changes to procedures.  Thus, the outcome of a lawsuit may just depend on whether the agency