In its most recent COVIDView weekly update, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that levels of COVID-19 “virus circulation and associated illnesses” have been rising nationally since September 2020. The CDC has also issued a “COVI1111111111D-19 Alert,” noting that “COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the
Cal/OSHA Emergency Workplace COVID-19 Regulation: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
On November 19, 2020, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted and approved an emergency COVID-19 regulation governing employers and workplaces. That regulation is scheduled for adoption and implementation on November 30, 2020. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that employers have expressed about the new
Cal/OSHA’s Emergency Standard and Its New Mandatory COVID-19 Paid Time Off Provision
On November 19, 2020, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, the standards-setting agency of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), adopted an emergency standard regarding COVID-19 workplace prevention. The Standards Board submitted the new final rule to the Office of Administrative Law, which may approve
COVID-19 Vaccinations Arriving For the Holidays: What Employers Need to Know and Can Do
As we discussed in a previous post, employers have already been planning for the arrival of a vaccine—and for good reason given the array of issues to consider when implementing vaccination-related policies. Although mandatory vaccination policies are legal (possibly subject to two limited categories of exemptions and variations in state
FMCSA Issues Order Preempting Washington’s Meal and Rest Break Rules as Applied to Commercial Truck Drivers
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an order this week that Washington State’s meal and rest break rules are preempted as applied to property-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to its hours of service rules.
ICE Extends Form I-9 Verification Flexibility Policy Through December 31, 2020
On November 18, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of its policy allowing flexibility in performing in-person verification of documents presented for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
Governor Walz ‘Dials Back’ Minnesota’s Phased Reopening Due to Resurgence of COVID-19
On November 18, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz dialed back Minnesota’s phased reopening and ongoing loosening of COVID-19–related restrictions by issuing Emergency Executive Order (EO) 20-99, “Implementing a Four Week Dial Back on Certain Activities to Slow the Spread of COVID-19.”
Washington State Issues Advisory Urging Travelers to Quarantine for Two Weeks
On November 13, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee issued a travel advisory for Washington State recommending a 14-day quarantine for all persons entering the state and encouraging residents to stay close to home.
New Measures in Oregon Decriminalize Certain Narcotics and Legalize Psilocybin Therapy
Oregon voters approved two groundbreaking measures in the 2020 election season to become the first state in the nation to decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances (Measure 110) and legalize the therapeutic usage of psilocybin in a controlled therapy setting (Measure 109). Many employers may be
Beltway Buzz: 2021 Labor and Employment Forecast
The Beltway Buzz is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what’s happening in Washington, D.C. could impact your business.
Michigan’s COVID-19–Related Restrictions and Remote Work Requirements: the Latest Developments
Michigan’s rate of COVID-19 infection seems to be increasing each day, as does the volume of orders, rules, and guidance documents applicable to Michigan businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ohio Issues COVID-19 Restrictions on Retailers
On November 13, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Health Lance Himes issued a new director’s order enhancing face covering requirements for Ohio retailers, adding mandatory oversight obligations for employers, and providing greater enforcement power for local health departments and law enforcement.
California Passes Emergency Workplace COVID-19 Regulation
On November 19, 2020, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted and approved an emergency COVID-19 regulation governing employers and workplaces.
Tripping on Hallucinogenics in Oregon: Two New Measures Decriminalize Certain Narcotics and Legalize Psilocybin Therapy
Oregon voters approved two groundbreaking measures in the 2020 election season to become the first state in the nation to decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances (Measure 110) and legalize the therapeutic usage of psilocybin in a controlled therapy setting (Measure 109). Many employers may be
Maryland’s November 2020 COVID-19 Update: A Primer on Two Recent Directives
For several months, health officials have cautioned the public that the rate of positive cases of COVID-19 would spike as temperatures turned colder. In recent days, it has become clear that cases in Maryland have risen exponentially. Maryland’s government has responded to the rising caseload by issuing two recent directives
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