As we reported yesterday, cities and counties across California are issuing orders to slow the spread of COVID-19. Since our last post, Orange County and the City of Palm Springs have joined the list.
Orange County’s Public Health Order, which took effect March 17, 2020, prohibits social gatherings and requires bars and other establishments that serve alcohol but not food to close. It
This morning, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order that allows a California employer that is conducting layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic to use the newly-created “unforeseen business circumstances” exception to the state’s WARN Act requirements.
More specifically, the order indicates that:
In the last few days, California’s most populous cities and counties have issued broad-sweeping guidelines to businesses to curb the spread of COVID-19 through enhanced social distancing measures. These orders, most of which last through the end of March or early April, vary significantly in scope and severity.
On March 15, 2020, the City of Los Angeles issued an order requiring the following businesses to
The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has issued an important new FAQ Memo for accommodating and paying employees in connection with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
Can an employee use California Paid Sick Leave due to COVID-19 illness?
Yes. If the employee has paid sick leave available, the employer must provide such leave
The California Employment Development Department has issued the following guidance regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19):
An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified starting in Wuhan, China. There is no evidence of widespread transmission of COVID-19 in California at this time. While investigations to learn more about the virus are ongoing, workers and employers should review their health and safety
The coronavirus can affect employers by implicating many different issues of employment law, from sick leave to disability discrimination. For a full breakdown, download our handy guide on the Coronavirus here.
As concerns about the newly identified Coronavirus spread in the United States, and elsewhere around the world, employers should consider the steps they can take to prepare for potential impact to their workplace and employees.
On February 5, 2020, at 9:00 AM PST, please join Proskauer’s Labor & Employment department for a webinar as we discuss potential legal risks and best practices for managing workplace