The world has been a crazy rollercoaster the past few months, and especially in the recent weeks due to the unprecedented outbreak of Coronavirus. When WHO officially declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic, people were feeling a wave of panic and stress. While we are taking preventive measures to avoid contracting the virus, and also to avoid spreading the virus, that is not all the public has to deal with. Grocery stores and convenient stores are being wiped out due to panic buying. Federal and local governments are imposing travel bans, limiting social gatherings, and closing public entities such as restaurants, gyms, bars, wineries, and stores. While the world is becoming a quieter place, the chaos of the pandemic has only begun.
With public places and services shutting down, many people are left with no job to go and the stress of losing work is kicking in, according to a Pittsburgh workers compensation lawyer. Some employees and companies have the luxury of working remotely, while other employees, such as those in the hospitality, food, and event industry do not. So, what does this mean for employees who cannot go to work during the pandemic? Is there paid sick leave for employees due to Coronavirus?
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The outbreak of the virus is spreading faster than what seems like people can keep up with. On March 14th, 2020, the House of Representatives passed the FFCRA. This act includes guaranteeing free coronavirus testing, boosting unemployment insurance, and the most notable, providing paid sick leave for employees. The act offers paid sick leave benefits through the two new laws being put in place: Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA).
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA)
The EFMLEA act amends to provide protected paid leave to employees for a coronavirus related event. This can include caring for someone under quarantine, staying home to limit exposure, or caring for a child who cannot go to school due to emergency restrictions. However, it isn’t 100% perfect.
The act includes 12 weeks of protected leave, but the first two weeks are unpaid. Employees who have sick days or PTO are encouraged to use them during the unpaid period. The following 10 weeks will be paid for eligible employees. Another factor in the EFMLEA is that it exempts small businesses with fewer than 50 employees from the act’s requirements if it can jeopardize the financial viability of the business. This means that employees in the restaurant industry may not receive any paid benefits from the EFMLEA.
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA)
The EPSLA law amends to provide full-time employees two weeks of paid sick leave. Part-time employees will also be provided paid sick leave, but will be depending on the average number of hours the employee works in a two-week time period. Both paid sick leave will be for all coronavirus related reasons.
Paid Sick Leave Will Not Cover Every Worker
Unfortunately, even if the FFCRA becomes implemented, it won’t be able to protect and cover every worker based on the details of the act.