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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.

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Client Alert | 5 min read | 08.21.26

FTC Proposes Enforcement Policy Statement on Personalized Pricing: What Businesses Need to Know

On August 19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed Enforcement Policy Statement on personalized pricing — the practice of companies using consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices, discounts, coupons, or other incentives. The proposed statement, which is open for public comment for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register, marks a major step up in the FTC’s focus on data-driven pricing strategies and puts businesses across industries on notice that undisclosed or inadequately disclosed personalized pricing will not be tolerated. Importantly, while the proposed statement is not a binding legal requirement and does not create new legal obligations, it serves as an enforcement warning that the FTC is prepared to use its existing enforcement authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act (Section 5) and is also a potential harbinger of rulemaking. Businesses that engage in — or are considering — personalized pricing should carefully assess their disclosure practices and data collection procedures against the standards articulated in this statement....

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