Employer Responses to COVID-19 in Real Time
Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.13.20
Each day brings new developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Over half of the states in the U.S., as well as many cities of all sizes, have declared states of emergency. Schools have been closed state-wide in Maryland, Ohio and Michigan. A containment area has been established in New Rochelle, New York. Further governmental actions may well be forthcoming. To say the least, employers are faced with crucial challenges on multiple fronts. In view of these extraordinary developments, we recommend that one top priority, for companies that have not done so already, is to develop and maintain strong and effective communications with employees regarding the impact of these issues. A notice to employees, adapted to address the specific facts and circumstances of your workplace, will go a long way to maximize efficient operation, minimize potential liability and address the concerns of your employees. For example, such a communication can address, among other subjects, the following:
- Risk/impact of virus based on current information
- Precautions and hygiene suggestions
- Policies affecting those exposed to infection or risk of disease
- Visitor, internal meeting and conference policies
- Telework/remote work options
- Travel restrictions/guidelines
- PTO/leave availability and company guidelines
- Assurance against retaliation
- Confidentiality regarding reporting exposure and infection
- Non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies
Employers should consider separate communications at different sites dependent on level of risk of exposure and/or location of employees. Employers should further consider developing emergency communication protocols and implementing hotlines, dedicated webpages, email addresses and/or text messaging systems. Other useful measures for employers to implement include compiling a short list of helpful resources and contacts for distribution among employees and ensuring that employee contact information and emergency contacts are up to date.
If you require any advice regarding such a communication, or any other aspect of your company’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, do not hesitate to contact us.
Contacts
Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 12.04.25
District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Seller of Gray Market Snack Food Products
On November 12, 2025, Judge King in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted in part Haldiram India Ltd.’s (“Plaintiff” or “Haldiram”) motion for a preliminary injunction against Punjab Trading, Inc. (“Defendant” or “Punjab Trading”), a seller alleged to be importing and distributing gray market snack food products not authorized for sale in the United States. The court found that Haldiram was likely to succeed on the merits of its trademark infringement claim because the products at issue, which were intended for sale in India, were materially different from the versions intended for sale in the U.S., and for this reason were not genuine products when sold in the U.S. Although the court narrowed certain overbroad provisions in the requested order, it ultimately enjoined Punjab Trading from importing, selling, or assisting others in selling the non-genuine Haldiram products in the U.S. market.
Client Alert | 21 min read | 12.04.25
Highlights: CMS’s Proposed Rule for Medicare Part C & D (CY 2027 NPRM)
Client Alert | 11 min read | 12.01.25
