COVID-19 INFORMATION

Thank you for visiting our COVID-19 information page.  We will be updating this page regularly during the COVID-19 crisis with articles and helpful links to information.  Please note that things are progressing quickly during this time, and the information on this site is for informational purposes and is not legal advice nor does it create an attorney client relationship with our firm.

NEW YORK STATE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

NYS Executive Orders on Coronavirus

New York Re-Opening Plan

Re-Opening What You Need To Know

Updated Department of Labor Guidance on COVID-19 Sick Leave

New York Sample Business Reopening Plan and Checklist: Steps for reopening that implicate both public health and employment issues.

Update: Guidance on Essential Services as of March 27, 2020NYS Workforce Protections COVID-19

New York State Paid Family Leave

Paid Leave for Coronavirus Related Quarantine

Leave for COVID-19 Vaccine

NYS Homes and Community Renewal Info and FAQs: As of March 31, 2020 there is no moratorium on rent payments (residential and commercial), however there is a stop to all evictions and foreclosures.  Moratorium on residential evictions due to COVID-19 financial hardship was extended through January 1, 2021.

 

Federal Resources 

Department of Labor: Essential Protections During COVID-19 in the Workplace

FFCRA – Department of Labor FAQs [FFCRA Leave has EXPIRED]

EEOC Coronavirus Home Page

EEOC ADA and Rehabilitation Act Guidelines re COVID-19: The EEOC discusses the anti-discrimination laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act (private and municipal employees) and the Rehabilitation Act (federal employees). Includes information about vaccines and accommodations for disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs. 

Federal Workplace Safety Guidelines Applicable to COVID-19 (Compiled by Southern Poverty Law Center)

OSHA Guidance on Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19 

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and COVID-19 FAQs: The FLSA is the federal wage and hour law, governing issues like overtime pay. 

INFORMATION ON THE COURTS AND FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION

New York State Unified Court System Coronavirus Information Page

New York State Bar Association Coronavirus Information Page

Executive Order re Qualified Immunity for Medical Providers Treating COVID-19: This means that “physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses” are immune from liability for negligence/malpractice in the course of treating COVID-19, unless the injury or death was caused by gross negligence.  This immunity was later rolled back for non-COVID treatment. 

ARTICLES OF INTEREST:

COVID-19 and Nursing Homes: Discussing recent NY AG report on unreported nursing home COVID-19 deaths, and civil liability for nursing home negligence and medical malpractice during the pandemic.

Know Your Employment Rights: Vaccines: We talk about whether your employer can require you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. (Likely, yes).

A bit of an opinion piece: Why Your Employer’s Vaccine Mandate Is Not the Hill You Want to Die On.  We see first hand the personal, financial and mental health consequences of unemployment and we don’t take it lightly.  With limited exceptions, vaccine requirements in the workplace are legal and employees should be cautious about quitting their jobs with little recourse.

Consequences of Questionable Social Media Use During the COVID Crisis : Pent up frustrations during this crisis can result in inappropriate, offensive and even threatening social media posts.  In this article, we talk about when those posts – and other out of work conduct – can result in termination, and when they might be protected from retaliation. 

Planning in Times of Uncertainty

D’Orazio Peterson’s Working with your Spouse Survival Guide: Find yourself working in close quarters with your spouse or partner for the first time? We know a little something about that.

Dog Adoptions Have Increased Due to Coronavirus Pandemic: What Dog Owners Need to Know : It’s great news in the midst of so much bad that shelters have adopted out all of their dogs.  But there is responsibility and liability that comes with dog ownership, that homeowners and renters need to be aware of.