Paid Sick and Family and Medical Leave for COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a temporary rule related to implementing new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Helping Unemployed Americans

The Department announced new guidance on unemployment insurance for states in response to COVID-19. The new guidance helps states implement new legislation that makes workers who are normally not eligible for unemployment benefitssuch as self-employed and gig workerseligible for benefits and that provides expanded unemployment insurance benefits for all workers.

Respiratory Protection Guidance

OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs).

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

• Website: Unemployment insurance relief during COVID-19 outbreak.
• Release: Wage and Hour guidance on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits related to COVID-19.
• Posters: New workplace posters on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Recovery Act are now available in Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Thai, and Vietnamese.
• Webinar: A Wage and Hour Division webinar explains which employers are covered by the new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave law, which workers are eligible, and what benefits and protections the law provides.
• Videos: New OSHA videos offer quick tips on assessing and responding to workplace risks to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Bulletin: Flexibilities for Registered Apprenticeship Programs to more easily use online instruction and promote social distancing.
• Online Dialogue: The Department's national online dialogue on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave has been extended until April 10.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Wildfire Grants

The Department awarded $2 million in additional funding to support workers dislocated by the 2018 Carr Fire in California.

Safety Hazards

OSHA cited a New Jersey manufacturer for workplace safety and health hazards, and proposed $151,329 in penalties.

Safety Citations

OSHA has cited a Florida manufacturer for exposing employees to amputation, noise, struck-by and other safety and health hazards. The window and door manufacturer faces $162,688 in penalties.