WHEN IS COVID-19 A DISABILITY UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT?
On December 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated its COVID related guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” to address when COVID-19 may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The updated guidance makes clear that the ADA’s...
EEOC Update to COVID-19 Guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,”
On May 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated its COVID related guidance: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” to address whether incentivizing employees to vaccinate complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The following are key updates: Employers may require employees...
Short-Term Solutions, Long Term Impact: The Fluidity of Federal Hours of Service in the Time of COVID-19
One of the few constants during this period of unprecedented turmoil and economic uncertainty in America has been the steady and unwavering dependability of truck drivers, who continue to transport crucial goods and products across a country that needs them more than ever. Recognizing the indispensable role that truck drivers play in ensuring that all...
Washington State Issues New Guidance on Corona Virus and High Risk Employees:
On July 29, 2020 , Governor Jay Inslee issued new guidance based on recommendations from the CDC regarding employees at risk for contracting Covid-19. The governor’s proclamation extends indefinitely, or until otherwise amended, protections provided to employees who are at high risk. High risk employees are defined as employees age 65 or older, employees who...
Summer 2020 Northwest Insurance Law Quarterly Newsletter
Please find the Summer 2020 edition of the Williams Kastner Northwest Insurance Law Newsletter. Our newsletter features articles regarding some of the most important decisions and developments in insurance law over the past few months. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Eliot Harris.
EEOC SAYS, “ANTIBODY TESTING NOT PERMITTED”
On June 17, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated the “Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Exams” portion of its COVID related guidance, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, to make clear that employers cannot require employees to undergo antibody testing before returning to the...
EEOC COMMISSION ISSUES UPDATE TO COVID-19 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
On June 11, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its technical guidance, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” The Guidance is designed help employers navigate the unique employment issues raised by COVID-19. Below is a summary of the updated guidance: No Required Accommodation...
New PPP Legislation —Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010)
In the midst of national and global turmoil, President Trump signed into law new legislation on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new law makes significant changes to the original provisions of the law. Employee Compensation and Business Expenses: Originally, any employer who obtained a PPP loan was required to use 75% of the funds...
Employee Retention Tax Credits in the Age of Coronavirus
On Sunday, May 17, in a previous client update note on the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan forgiveness, we informed you that the Department of Treasury (USDT) had provided an alternative time frame for consideration of what would be forgiven. That change permitted both paid and incurred eligible expenses as part of what could be...
More News on the PPP Loan Forgiveness
On Sunday, May 17, we issued an update on PPP loans which discussed the change in time frame which would be considered for loan forgiveness. At the same time that this new guidance was issued, the United States Department of the Treasury (USDT) issued additional guidance which clarifies under what circumstances loan forgiveness can be...
Governor Inslee Walks Back Contact Tracing Requirement for Restaurants
On May 15, 2020, within days of announcing a requirement that all restaurants would be required to obtain and maintain contact tracing information for patrons, Governor Inslee quickly withdrew this mandate after widespread concerns that such a requirement would violate patron’s privacy rights. Now, the Governor has indicated that it is only a recommendation that...
SBA Releases New Rules on How to Apply PPP Proceeds in Order to Get Forgiveness
On Friday, May 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, issued new guidelines on how employers who have received PPP loan proceeds can apply those loans and still be in compliance with the regulations that will be used to assess whether an employer has met the requirements to receive loan...