As the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) continues to increase in the United States, as well as around the world, businesses should (i) take steps now to minimize workplace exposure to all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19; and (ii) create and be prepared to implement a plan to protect their workforce and ensure business continuity if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States.
At the current time, the following steps are recommended by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”):
If an employee or a member of the employee’s family is confirmed to have COVID-19, the employer should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure. In doing so, employers must maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disability Act.
In addition to the above steps, employers should begin planning for additional measures to protect their workforce and allow for continuity of operations if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. These may include:
For further information on COVID-19 and the CDC’s guidance for businesses, go to the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.
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