Reopening New York — Dealing with Sick Employees and Dissecting New Requirements for Public Employers
October 8, 2020
By: Andrew D. Bobrek Christopher T. Kurtz
As a bonus to Bond’s October 6 webinar about the evolving legal implications of COVID-19 for business, Bond labor and employment attorneys Andrew Bobrek and Christopher Kurtz each recorded a short video to address some frequently asked questions.
Andy talked about how to deal with employees who test positive for COVID-19, come into close contact with someone else who tests positive or experience symptoms of the virus. These scenarios are occurring less frequently today than they did three months ago, which is why Andy recommends employers refamiliarize themselves now with the relevant guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health and review their own workplace safety and infection control plans.
Chris reviewed legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month that creates new requirements for public employers that take effect in April 2021. Among the changes, public employers will need to: identify which jobs are deemed essential and why; put systems in place to facilitate remote work for non-essential employees; and establish protocols for obtaining personal protective equipment (face coverings, gloves, shields), not only for COVID-19 but the next pandemic.
The full presentation covered the following topics:
- Pandemic Planning for Public Employers
- School Reopening Update
- Update from Albany
- OSHA Update – COVID Developments
- Litigation Update – A Review of Recent Cases
- COVID Exposure FAQs – What Do We Do Now?
Click here to view the webinar in its entirety or to register for upcoming Tuesday presentations.
