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 | 3 min read | 10.24.25
On October 23rd, the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) containing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANOPR”) with principles for all large load interconnections across the US, including those co-located with generating facilities.[1] Significantly, the Secretary of Energy states that the interconnection of large loads to the transmission system “falls squarely” within FERC’s jurisdiction, thus weighing in on a dispute that has been pending before FERC for over a year. This move appears to be a reaction to the continued pendency before FERC of the colocation dockets[2] and a technical conference on colocation held almost a year ago.[3]
Client Alert | 3 min read | 10.24.25
Client Alert | 3 min read | 10.23.25
Are You Ready for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act? Key Changes for Businesses
Client Alert | 8 min read | 10.23.25
Ransomware on the Rise: The Expanding Role of Legal Counsel in Incident Response
