Blog: COVID-19

 

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Waiver Amounts Owed For Telehealth Services During The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Posted on April 22, 2020 by
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The Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a Policy Statement on March 17, 2020 regarding the waiver of amounts owed by beneficiaries for services provided by telehealth.  Recognizing the unique circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, the OIG states that it will not subject physicians and other practitioners to OIG […]

State of Wisconsin Extends Safer at Home Order

Posted on April 16, 2020 by
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This afternoon, Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued Emergency Order #28 (the “Extended Order”), an extension to Emergency Order #12 released on March 24th (the “Original Order”). The full text of the Extended Order can be accessed here. The Original Order remains in effect until 8:00 AM on April 24th, at which time the Extended […]

OSHA Puts a Hold on Most COVID-19 Illness Reporting

Posted on April 13, 2020 by
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Until further notice, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will not be enforcing its illness reporting requirements with regard to COVID-19 cases for most employers. Under OSHA regulations, COVID-19 is a recordable illness if certain criteria are met.  See our recent e-alert on this. .  However, on April 10, OSHA issued an “enforcement guidance” announcing […]

The EEOC Updates its Guidance on Dealing With COVID-19 in the Workplace

Posted on April 13, 2020 by
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidance document, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEOC Laws”, last updated on March 18, 2020.  This was the subject of one of our previous alerts: Some of what the EEOC clarifies was already known or generally […]

Business Interruption Insurance

Posted on March 30, 2020 by
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Businesses often carry insurance to cover losses caused by a variety of events or perils.  Restrictions, closures, whether voluntary or not, and policies related to COVID-19 are negatively impacting businesses and affecting bottom lines.  As a result, business owners are asking whether they are insured for their losses due to COVID-19 like they might be […]

DOL Issues FFCRA Poster and Notice FAQ!

Posted on March 25, 2020 by
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Today the DOL issued a notice employers subject to the FFCRA must post prior to April 1, 2020.  A copy of the poster can be found here. The FAQ regarding the poster can be found here. Ruder Ware’s COVID-19 Focus Team doing all we can to keep you up to date as this situation evolves, please […]

DOL Issues Conflicting Guidance Regarding Leave Offered Before April 1!

Posted on March 25, 2020 by
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Late yesterday, the Department of Labor issued its first FAQ at regarding the FFCRA.  In that FAQ the DOL specifically states: Question: Can my employer deny me paid sick leave if my employer gave me paid leave for a reason identified in the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act prior to the Act going into effect? […]

COVID-19: What Effect Does the Global Pandemic Have on Contract Rights and Obligations

Posted on March 19, 2020 by
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We are living in uncertain times as the effects of the COVID-19 virus pandemic and resulting governmental restrictions on economic activity and daily life take hold. Not surprisingly, many businesses are facing key decisions concerning their operations without a reasonable way to assess the impact. As businesses assess how their customer and supplier contracts are […]

COVID-19 Update: Same Song, Second Verse – House Revises Bill!

Posted on March 17, 2020 by
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Last night, March 16, the House amended versions of a COVID-19 Coronavirus bill we reported on yesterday. Again, this alert will focus only on the two provisions regarding paid leave for employees.  The Senate is expected to review the bill and if President Trump signs it, these provisions will be effective in no later than […]

Followup to Alert About the COVID-19 Virus

Posted on March 12, 2020 by
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In a followup to yesterday’s e-alert about the COVID-19 virus, please note the CDC has updated its travel advisory as follows: All travelers should avoid nonessential travel to China, Iran, Western, Northern and Central Europe (see CDC website for map), and South Korea (Level 3 Travel Health Notice); Older travelers and those who have chronic […]