Returning to Work During COVID-19 in Arizona
Governor Ducey permitted restaurants, retail businesses and office spaces in May. Now in June, there has been an extreme surge of new coronavirus cases.
Statistics show that at least 40% of Americans are still apprehensive about returning to normal and are staying home if they can. Two new laws were passed for people returning to work during COVID-19:
- Emergency Paid Sick Leave
- The Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act
Emergency Paid Sick Leave
Emergency Paid Sick Leave is now available for employees. This law grants employees up to 80 hours of extra time off to keep sick employees from going to work.
It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment and adequate protective equipment to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Offering extra paid time off in the event an employee contracts coronavirus should deter sick workers from feeling forced to work or risk a penalty.
The Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act
The Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act is enforced to permit eligible employees up to 10 additional weeks of family sick leave. They will receive two-thirds of their normal pay rate in the event a child or relative fall ill with coronavirus.
This new law aims to help parents and legal guardians properly care for their loved ones if the child or their care facility closes due to the novel coronavirus.
At-Risk Workers
At-risk workers are now afforded more time to stay at home whilst being paid. This allows the employee to continue bringing in essential income, working from home and preventing the sick from spreading the virus at work.
Anti-discrimination laws are still in effect to prohibit employers from discriminating against certain age groups and immune-compromised individuals from returning to work.
Harder Time Protecting Employees
As the coronavirus increases in Arizona, employers are having a harder time protecting their employees. Due to increased foot traffic within retail stores, restaurants and offices, employers are struggling to protect both employees and customers.
The mandated use of masks is up in the air as Governor Ducey states it is up to each mayor to decide for their respective city. The lack of masks is thought to be increasing the transmission in public and in the workplace.
Customers Filing Lawsuits
Top Arizona lawyers are revealing they are being bombarded with customers wanting to file lawsuits against the places they have visited. Customers who go in a store or eat at a local restaurant and contract the virus are filing claims of the businesses’ negligence.
This comes shortly before Arizona’s new law passed which protects businesses from liability for COVID infections. However, they are not fully immune from liability.
Call an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer
The numbers of infected Arizonans continues to rise. If you or a loved one is infected with coronavirus from going back to work, call Mr. David Klink today. A standout Glendale personal injury attorney, Mr. Klink is ready to discuss the details of your claim.
