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Along with handling the basic safety in reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, California businesses also face new requirements with regard to employees returning to work. These requirements are meant to ensure the safety of workers and customers and allow businesses to open during the pandemic and thus should be on the radar for all companies as they look forward to getting their businesses back up and running once more.
Initially, it should be noted that several counties require face coverings inside essential businesses. Additionally, an executive order issued by Governor Gavin Newsom sets forth several requirements impacting employees. These new requirements include a rebuttable presumption that certain workers who report COVID illness are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Governor Newsom also issued a separate executive order allowing new supplemental paid sick leave for certain food industry workers. The order mandates eighty hours of paid sick leave for COVID-related reasons for those employees covered. The order applies mainly to food workers for companies employing 500 or more employees
While businesses are understandably eager to reopen, it’s clear that keeping on top of the latest changes both on the health front and on the employee rights front will be imperative to employers opening safely and operating legally going forward. This is particularly crucial during a time when those requirements are constantly changing.
With so much in flux, an experienced legal team can help navigate a difficult time for businesses, particularly with the ever-changing landscape for companies during the current crisis.