The country begins the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic with optimism because of three Emergency Use Authorization vaccines and President Joe Biden’s direction that all states make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, 2021.
Articles Discussing Workplace Issues Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Courtney Malveaux Authors “OSHA Taking Its Time to Issue COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard”
Courtney Malveaux authors “OSHA Taking Its Time to Issue COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard,” published by Construction Dive.
OSHA’s COVID-19 National Emphasis Program and Enforcement Response Plan – Targeted Inspections to Begin by March 26, 2021
On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order directing the Department of Labor’s launch of a national program to focus OSHA enforcement efforts related to COVID-19 on hazardous conditions that put the largest number of workers at serious risk and on employers that engage in retaliation against employees who complain about unsafe conditions.
Answers to FAQS about the American Rescue Plan Act
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law last week, and our phones have not stopped ringing! Below are responses to our clients’ most frequently asked questions about the new law.
The American Rescue Plan Act Includes Required COBRA Subsidy
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The law contains various provisions that impact employers, including a new COBRA subsidy.
The ARPA COBRA Subsidy
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Coverage Requirements for Group Health Plans and Issuers: New DOL, HHS, and Treasury FAQs
On February 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued guidance entitled “FAQs About Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Implementation Part 44.” The guidance addresses frequently
New CDC Physical Distancing Recommendations for K-12 Schools May Speed Up Return to Classrooms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance regarding Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools with the goal of aiding the eventual return to in-person schooling on a full-time basis while reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Latest Stimulus Package Provides Additional Funding, Expanded Eligibility Under the Soon-to-End Paycheck Protection Program
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) that was enacted on March 11, 2021, includes additional modifications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Unlike previous legislative amendments, the changes to the PPP under the ARP are relatively minor, as summarized below.
The American Rescue Plan Act Provides a Flood of Funding for Industry-Specific Programs, Includes Significant Tax and Labor and Employment Changes for Businesses
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) into law. Among the various types of funding, the latest stimulus package provides industry-specific funding for (i) small businesses, (ii) healthcare, (iii) transportation, and (iv) agriculture. In addition, the ARP includes various tax and labor and employment changes for businesses.
Inclusion Interrupted: Charting a Path for Reconnecting, Post-COVID
One year into a global pandemic, with vaccinations underway, we are eagerly preparing for social “re-entry.” But how do the isolating behaviors that we have now perfected – in the interest of sheer survival – bode for the concept of “inclusion” in a post-pandemic world?
Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas
OSHA Taking Its Time to Issue COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was directed under an executive order to promulgate an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to address COVID-19 no later than March 15, 2021. It has yet to do so.
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Candid COVID Conversations: American Rescue Plan and Other Florida Updates
In this podcast, Kimberly Doud and Nancy Johnson of Littler’s Orlando office discuss COVID-related updates affecting employers in Florida, including a notable executive order issued on March 10, 2021 by Governor DeSantis and recent federal OSHA announcements. Kim and Nancy also focus on the American Rescue Plan, addressing its
Latest COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Tax Credits for Voluntary Paid Sick and Family Leave
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed H.R.
COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives Without the HIPAA Headache
On February 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor, along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issued answers to new frequently asked questions (FAQs) interpreting certain provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
New COVID-19 Relief Law Includes Full COBRA Premium Subsidy
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which became law on March 11, 2021, provides a 100 percent subsidy of premiums under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) beginning on April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021, with employers to recoup the missing premiums through Medicare tax credits.