The emergence of COVID-19, also known as the “coronavirus,” has affected the workplace in unprecedented ways. As a result, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), which modifies the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) and the Fair Labor Standards Act “FLSA”), among other things.
Importantly, under FFRCA, employees who were previously not entitled to the protections of FMLA and FLSA, may be entitled from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. If you are an employee of a private-sector employer who has less than 500 employees, or an employee of a governmental or public employer, you may be entitled to leave for reasons relating to COVID-19, as further explained below.
Pursuant to FFCRA and the Department of Labor’s guidance, an employee may take leave for the following reasons relating to COVID-19:
- The employee is unable to work or telework, and
- Is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
- Has been advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
- Is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
- Is caring for an individual who is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19 or the individual has been advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
- Is caring for his or her child whose school or childcare provider is closed or unavailable due to COVID-19 related reasons; or
- Is experiencing any other substantially similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally, some employees, who have been employed for at least 30 days prior to their leave request, may be eligible for an additional 10 weeks of partially paid leave if the employee is caring for his or her child whose school or childcare provider is closed or unavailable due to COVID-19 related reasons.
The calculations to determine the paid leave can be difficult and are subject to limitations of FFCRA. There are several factors that affect the calculations, such as whether the employee is full-time or part-time, and the length of leave.
If you are a Missouri or Illinois resident who is dealing with employment pay and leave issues, you should strongly consider the advice and assistance of attorneys familiar with FFCRA and the laws of your state. Call us, Voytas Law, LLC, at 314-380-3166 or learn more at www.voytaslaw.com.
Rick Voytas of Voytas Law, LLC is a trial lawyer who combines objective advice with the tactical know-how to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Rick Voytas has more than nineteen years of courtroom and litigation experience, handling a variety of difficult cases.
As a native of St. Louis and licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and various federal courts, Rick Voytas provides knowledge and personal attention to your legal matter.
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