As the needs of communities shift and change rapidly, governments are continuously implementing new laws and regulations to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. Many states have declared “State(s) of Emergency,” which typically provides state and local authorities more power and resources to pass legislation quickly in times of disaster. Many states including Iowa, Missouri, Oregon and California have laws regarding paid sick leave differing from those of the Federal government, which give employees required to stay home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak access to paid sick leave or additional unemployment benefits for the time they are absent from the workplace.
Eligibility and exceptions vary amongst states implementing similar policies. It is vital that employers remain vigilant and informed regarding the various responses of the federal, as well as their particular state and local, government to ensure that they are abiding by what is required.