Coronavirus: A Weekly Update and Discussion on Legal and Practical Issues (pt.1)

The viewpoints, risk assessments, and concerns of stakeholders in every organization are in flux as the evolving coronavirus situation morphs on a daily or even hourly basis. Trying to keep ahead of this situation has become complicated. This is Part One of a Three part series.

In these weekly sessions, speakers will summarize the week's latest federal and state guidelines; inform you of approaches being taken by employers and industry leaders; and share the questions they are hearing and provide an update to you.

A sampling of topics that will be discussed includes:

• Governor’s Executive Order 202.6 issued late on March 18, effective March 20
• Reducing in-person workforce unless essential services
• What services are “essential” and how to do you apply for exemption
• Latest Empire State Development Guidance
• NY sick leave legislation imposing immediate obligations for the employer.
• New federal legislation dealing with sick pay, US DOL Guidance
• Wage and hour issues including leave, compensation, a continuation of benefits, FMLA and PFL
• Benefits issues, including PTO and health insurance issues for employees on furlough or layoff
• Strategies for successful remote working arrangements
• Handling layoffs
• Pay for exempt and non-exempt employees working reduced hours
• The discrimination and other issues involved in testing and prohibiting employees from working
• Steps to be taken for employees that test positive or present high-risk situations
• Handling refusals to work due to safety concerns
• Best practices and recommendations
• Workplace scenarios, e.g., dealing with employees who have returned to work after traveling to high-risk locations
• Staffing issues and working from home