Employment Law Issues Business Owners Should Consider Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
With the continued spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), McNamee Hosea’s number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, our clients and the communities in which we live and operate.
Our team of lawyers is available to meet our clients’ legal needs during this unprecedented time. We are actively monitoring the situation, and we will continue to advise clients on legal matters related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The State of Maryland, District of Columbia, and Commonwealth of Virginia have all declared states of emergencies. Schools are closing in several jurisdictions, large gatherings have been prohibited in some areas, courts are closing and/or restricting access, and businesses are undoubtedly concerned about their employees and their business.
There are several issues for employers to consider and review at this time, including: (1) paid and/or unpaid leave requirements, policies and practices; (2) the effects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and similar state and local laws on responses to the COVID-19; (3) implementing telework policies and practices; (4) meeting staffing needs; (4) assessing how various executive orders apply to employees in various jurisdictions; and (5) possible furloughs and/or layoffs.
There are a number of online resources available to businesses and individuals regarding COVID-19, which we encourage you to review. A non-exhaustive list of those resources can be found below:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control
United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
United States Department of Labor
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
District of Columbia’s Coronavirus Web-page
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
If you have any questions about the effect of COVID-19 on your business or employees, please contact one of Employment Law Attorneys, Charles H. Henderson or Clifford B. Glover for assistance.