As COVID variants have cycled through the population, it has become clear that COVID is here to stay. What is less clear is how lingering symptoms of these variants, also known as “Long COVID” or “Post-COVID Conditions” will impact the health of those who have contracted these symptoms. ADA Protects Long COVID Employees Given the presence of Long COVID, employees must understand their rights so they are empowered to face their employers if … [Read more...]
The Impact of COVID-19 on Disability Protections
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persist and employers struggle with both enforcing mandatory vaccination requirements and planning for return to work scenarios, many employees have questions and need guidance on when contracting COVID-19 qualifies as a disability, and what protections and/or accommodations an employer must provide when otherwise requiring employees to return to work. While there are often no “one-size-fits all” answers … [Read more...]
Vaccination Mandates Test the Limits of Religious Exemption
Broad vaccine mandates by federal and state governments, large employers, and the health care industry have led to vigorous opposition from some employees claiming a sincerely held religious belief justifies exempting them from any vaccine requirement. A cottage industry has emerged in the form of religious leaders providing written support for the exemption, often for a fee. Employers are therefore required, in a manner never … [Read more...]
Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Tax Credits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act allows employers to voluntarily extend emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to employees and receive tax credits through Sept. 30. While employers are not required to provide this type of leave, this tax credit will provide a benefit to employers who do so. EPSLA Guidelines Under the EPSLA, … [Read more...]
Take the Jab or Lose Your Job – Can Employers Force Employees to Get Vaccinated?
The Covid-19 Delta variant has put a big crimp in pandemic recovery, and driven many employers to require employees to get vaccinated. To the extent reasonably possible, employers must accommodate those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, and those who won’t for religious reasons, but the bottom line may often come down to jab versus job. Is that legal? The answer, pretty much, is yes, at least in most states. The Equal Employment … [Read more...]
