COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Employer Assistance
Coronavirus/COVID-19 is impacting nearly every business across the nation. From office closures, newly created family responsibilities, remote work arrangements and almost hourly changes to local and federal laws, the COVID-19 outbreak has brought on a difficult new reality for employers. Wilson McCoy, P.A., is tracking the latest legal developments and guidance from federal and state agencies and is prepared to help businesses in need of guidance through these difficult times. We can help your business prepare for and minimize the impacts of the pandemic and strategically comply with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and local stay-at-home orders. Each new law has an impact on existing laws and employer obligations. These laws have left your business with many questions such as:
• Do I have to follow CDC guidance relating to COVID-19?
• Can I take an employee’s temperature?
• When is a COVID-19 case deemed work-related for purposes of OSHA?
• Should I require my employees to work remotely?
• Can I send employees home from work if they are showing symptoms?
• How many hours of emergency paid sick leave do I need to provide?
• At what rate must I pay an employee taking emergency paid sick leave?
• When does an employee qualify for paid FMLA leave?
• Is there a small business exemption for emergency paid sick leave or paid FMLA leave?
• Should I reduce hours, furlough or lay off an employee?
• Do I have to accommodate pregnant employees or those who are unable to work?
• Will employees qualify for unemployment insurance?
• Am I required to shut-down operations?
• What is the Paycheck Protection Program?
• Do I have to provide federal paid leave for employees who are laid-off?
• What if I am closed for business, but do not lay off my employees?
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) And Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The government has recently passed legislation that may provide for immediate economic relief to your business, some of which may be forgivable or is in the form of a grant. If you have questions or need assistance with understanding whether or not your business may qualify for a PPP or EIDL loan, Wilson McCoy, P.A., can help. We can also help you strategically determine which loans are best for your business.
Terminations, Layoffs, Furloughs, Reductions-In-Force And Restructures
Due to the financial impact COVID-19 has had on many businesses, some employers cannot afford to retain their full staff even with government assistance through PPP or EIDL loans alone. But, it may be wise to seek legal advice from Wilson McCoy, P.A., before your business elects to commence with terminations, layoffs, furloughs, or reductions-in-force and makes those decisions. These options can be used strategically, in conjunction with the PPP and EIDL loans, to help keep your business operating smoothly and minimizing disruptions and financial impacts to your workforce. And, when such options are absolutely necessary, we can help your business avoid or eliminate legal liability which otherwise may exist for your business.
Wilson McCoy, P.A., looks forward to serving your business as a trusted legal adviser and business partner during this time of need. Should you have any questions about Coronavirus/COVID-19, or other legal services, please do not hesitate to contact us at 407-803-5400, complete our contact form or email us at [email protected].
Additional Coronavirus Preparedness Resources: