COVID

Since March 2020, the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has permitted employers the flexibility to engage in remote review of certain new employees’ proof of their identity and authorization to work in the United States. At the end of July 2023, those flexibility rules will sunset – although businesses will have until the end of August to fully comply. … Continue Reading

On January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration said that it will end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11, 2023.  The federal government has been paying for COVID-19 vaccines, some tests, and certain treatments under the public health emergency declaration. Many of those costs now will be transferred to private insurance and government health plans.… Continue Reading

As COVID lingers and the economy remains uncertain, employers face a host of issues. Recently, a group of Ballard Spahr attorneys hosted part one of a two part webinar series to revisit the basics, as well as novel issues, related to aligning your workforce to your business needs. Many businesses do not have enough workers and are focused on attracting and retaining necessary talent, while others, due to rising costs and stubborn supply chain problems, must consider layoffs and reductions in force.… Continue Reading

On August 26, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit narrowed the nationwide injunction of Executive Order 14042, which requires federal contractors and employees who work on or in connection with a covered federal contract, or share a workplace with another employee who works on or in connection with such contracts, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.… Continue Reading

On August 26, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit turned back efforts by a group of unions seeking to force the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to quickly issue a permanent rule establishing protections for healthcare workers from COVID-19.  

A unanimous three-judge panel in In re: National Nurses United, et al.… Continue Reading

On July 12, 2022, the EEOC again revised its technical assistance questions and answers related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal equal employment opportunity laws. In addition, the EEOC updated its publication for employees, Federal Laws Protect You Against Employment Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic. … Continue Reading

In June, 2021, Philadelphia’s previous public health emergency leave mandate expired. However, on March 9, 2022, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed a new bill extending COVID-19 paid sick leave to certain eligible employees. That bill became effective immediately upon signature. These requirements will sunset on December 23, 2023.

Under this new ordinance, employers with more than 25 employees must provide up to 40 hours of additional paid sick leave to eligible employees who are unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19, including:

  • A determination by a public official or public health authority having jurisdiction, a health care provider, or an employer that the employee’s presence on the job or in the community would jeopardize the health of others because of the employee’s exposure to COVID-19 or because the employee is exhibiting symptoms that might jeopardize the health of others, regardless of whether the employee has been diagnosed with or has tested positive for COVID-19.
… Continue Reading

On March 14, 2022, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released several pieces of guidance aimed at addressing discrimination against caregivers, including:

  • A technical assistance document entitled “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiver Discrimination Under Federal Employment Discrimination Law”;
  • Updated COVID-19 guidance, entitled “What You Should Know,” which explains what may constitute discrimination against employees and job seekers with family caregiving responsibilities; and
  • A short video explaining caregiver discrimination in both English and Spanish.
… Continue Reading

In response to dropping cases of COVID-19 in the City, on March 2, 2022, Philadelphia announced that it has moved into the “All Clear COVID Response Level,” and, as a result, will no longer enforce its indoor mask mandate.  The change is effective immediately for businesses and institutions.  The Philadelphia Department of Public Health also stressed that businesses may still require masks, and that the City may reinstate the mask mandate if COVID-19 cases rise, or a new variant develops. … Continue Reading