On July 27, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on masking and other health measures in light of the rise in coronavirus cases fueled by the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19.
Articles Discussing Workplace Issues Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Breaking News: On-Site Federal Contractor Employees Not Fully Vaccinated May be Subject to Mask and COVID Screening Requirements
In an effort to slow the spread of the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus, President Biden announced (in a July 29, 2021 White House Fact Sheet, as well as at a press conference) that on-site federal contractor employees will be asked about their vaccination status and if not fully
CDC Updates Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Employee Exposure
Released on July 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on return to work. This version has been revised to address an inconsistency for critical infrastructure employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 (the CDC has not updated that guidance since December). To make
Biden Announces Vaccine Requirements for Federal Employees, Contractors
On July 29, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden announced new requirements for federal employees and onsite federal contractors regarding vaccination status, masking, and social distancing. While a formal executive order has not yet been published, the White House issued a fact sheet which provides in relevant part (emphasis added):
DHHS and DOJ Issue Guidance on “Long COVID” As a Disability
On July 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance explaining that “long COVID” can be a disability under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which apply to state/local government and public accommodations
EMEA: COVID-19 Follow-up Vaccination Guide – Vaccination Incentive
While the national vaccination campaigns have made considerable progress lately, there are still many people who have not yet been vaccinated, some of whom are hesitant to receive the vaccine at all. At the same time, discussions emerge whether and when a follow-up vaccination of already vaccinated people might
CDC’s New Guidance Recommends Masks for Fully-Vaccinated Individuals
As the delta variant (B.1.617.2, which is one of the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2) fuels a substantial rise in COVID-19 cases in unvaccinated individuals, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on masking and a number of other issues on July 27, 2021.
Updated CDC Guidance on Quarantine Length for Exposed Individuals
On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for the employment setting for a fully vaccinated individual who is asymptomatic but was in close contact with someone with COVID-19. While isolation is still not recommended, the CDC now recommends that the individual get
Refresh! The CDC Revisits COVID-19 Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its COVID-19 guidance, recommending that even individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should resume wearing masks in public indoor settings in those areas of the U.S.
CDC Recommends Everyone Wear Masks in Areas With Substantial or High Transmission of COVID-19
In its latest guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone — including individuals fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccines — wear masks in indoor public settings in all areas with substantial and high transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
To Mandate or Not To Mandate: Department of Justice Weighs In on Vaccination Mandates
Can employers mandate vaccines? The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) says they can, but before employers do, they should consider the many legal and practical risks.
Mask On? Mask Off? Mask On? What Employers Need to Know About The New CDC Guidance
The CDC is now recommending that everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear masks in indoor public settings in all areas with substantial and high transmission of the COVID-19 virus and get tested following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The new CDC guidance also recommends universal
EEOC Allows Covid-19 Vaccination Incentives: What to Know
Jane Heidingsfelder, a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, and Jacob Pritt, an associate in the Labor & Employment Practice Group, published the article, “EEOC Allows Covid-19 Vaccination Incentives: What to Know,” in Bloomberg Law Daily Labor Report.
Indiana District Court Denies Students’ Challenge to Indiana University’s Vaccine Mandate
Hundreds of colleges and universities across the country, both public and private, have issued policies requiring students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of the fall semester. In the first court case to address a challenge to a university’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, the Northern District of Indiana denied a preliminary injunction motion filed by eight students seeking to enjoin Indiana University from enforcing its policy requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for the Fall 2021 semester.
National Hospital Associations Release Statements Endorsing Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies for Healthcare Workers
The nation’s largest healthcare groups and associations have released separate statements endorsing the position that all healthcare workers should be fully vaccinated and supporting the implementation of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in hospitals and health systems nationwide.
On July 21, 2021, the American Hospital Association (“AHA”), an organization representing close