Following the SARS outbreak in 2002, many business interruption insurance policies started including an exemption for pandemics caused by a viral or bacterial outbreak. But even those that do not specifically reference a pandemic are likely to have a catch-all “Act of God” clause, possibly with some exceptions listed or covered in a separate policy. […]
Pennsylvania Municipal Governments Can Prepare to Defend Against Possible Wrongful Death Lawsuits from COVID-19
As of May 6, 2020, in the state of Pennsylvania, there have been nearly 52,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 3,000 deaths. First responders, healthcare workers and other essential people employed by municipal governments are getting sick and some are dying of COVID-19. Those that become ill are likely to have their salaries covered by […]
Are WARN Notices Required for COVID-19 Layoffs in Pennsylvania?
As a result of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order, many businesses are having employees telecommute – some for the first time. But others have had to terminate or furlough all or some of their workforce, whether employees wear white or blue collars. As efforts intensify to flatten and squash the curve of COVID-19, businesses and non-profits […]
Don’t Let COVID-19 Layoffs Trigger Discrimination Complaints
On April 14, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a “COVID-19 Emergency Mitigation Plan for Businesses.” It requires Gov.Tom Wolf to publish guidelines on how businesses can operate while reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Businesses that comply would be allowed to reopen. It’s not certain that Gov. Wolf will sign the law […]
Questions and Answers for Pennsylvania Employers About COVID-19, the EEOC, OSHA and ADA
While each organization’s situation is unique, this Q-and-A provides some general guidance on how Pennsylvania employers may keep from running afoul of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) employment laws, OSHA and EEOC rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Question: How much medical information may we ask if somebody calls in sick during the pandemic? Answer: […]