On May 3, 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 2006 (SB 2006) and Executive Orders 21-101 and 21-102, immediately suspending all existing city and county emergency COVID-19 restrictions, such as mask and...more
Wednesday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 192 (“EO 192”), creating additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols for New Jersey employers that will be effective on November 5, 2020 at 6:00 am. These new...more
For approximately the last six months, public boards subject to the Open Meetings Law (“public boards”) have been meeting solely via electronic means due to COVID-19 mass gathering restrictions and due to health and safety...more
I am amazed at how often business owners are surprised to learn that all employers in California are required to prepare, implement and inform employees about the employer’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Are...more
As states allow businesses to reopen and employers begin returning to the workplace, questions arise regarding the potential liability of employers if employees and consultants contract COVID-19 in the workplace—which might...more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increased pressure on health care facilities, and long term care providers specifically, by issuing COVID-19-related citations and initiating COVID-19-related...more
With over 40 states showing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the novel coronavirus remains top of mind for employers throughout the U.S. Numerous state and federal measures have been—and continue to...more
As most employers know, the EEOC has confirmed employers may implement processes to take employee's temperatures before allowing them to enter the workplace during the pandemic. State and local governments in over twenty...more
This 14th edition of Unprecedented, our weekly update on COVID-19-related litigation, showcases new and evolving trends. Employers are facing claims for both doing too much and too little in response to the COVID-19 pandemic....more
From 4 July, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, hotels and other outdoor activities in the United Kingdom reopened but are required to comply with new guidance announced 23 June. To facilitate their opening, the...more
On June 7, 2020, Governor Lamont issued Sector Rules that Connecticut businesses must follow in order to open during Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan....more
States are re-opening in various phases, and some exercise facilities have opened their doors once again. For most states, gyms and fitness studios shuttered for months are now considering how to operate and attempt to recoup...more
Government officials across the country are easing up on the stringent business closures and stay at home orders that helped the nation slow the spread of COVID-19 earlier in the year. Each jurisdiction will emerge from this...more
Companies face a daunting challenge to reassure and regain trust and integrity with employees. CEOs should view the current situation as an opportunity to improve a company’s culture by building on the company’s trust and...more
On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a new publication entitled Guidance on Returning to Work. The Guidance contains recommendations regarding best practices for employers...more
Many businesses are anxious to resume operations after closing or scaling back because of COVID-19. However, trends in North Carolina COVID-19 diagnoses and hospitalizations show that the pandemic is still very much an issue....more
Pursuant to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidance, employers in certain businesses must require employees, contractors, and volunteers to wear a mask, face covering, or face shield, unless an accommodation for people with...more
Continuing New York State’s four-phased plan for reopening nonessential businesses and expanding essential businesses in the state (“New York Forward” or “NYF”), New York has released summary and detailed guidelines...more
Employers in California are eager to reopen as the state’s stay-at-home orders are lifted. As part of the reopening process, California agencies have been issuing industry-specific guidance documents, which continue to...more
The United Kingdom (UK) government is relaxing its lockdown restrictions, and our clients are starting to model what a return to the workplace may look like. In this advisory, Katten provides answers to some of the common...more
After world-wide lockdowns due to COVID-19, societies and governments are trying to determine how and when it will be safe for people to congregate in large groups again. Companies and universities are working on different...more
General Restaurant Reopening - Governor Polis announced on May 25 that Colorado restaurants may begin to reopen for in-person dining on May 27, 2020. Below please find some important requirements which restaurants need to...more
Nearly one month after Pennsylvania shut down in March to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Wolf announced a three-phase plan to reopen the Commonwealth. Counties were to be classified in to red, yellow, and green phases...more
As Russian regions are lifting pandemic-related workplace restrictions, employers must start considering how best to cope with a vast array of issues, including restarting operations, reintegrating remote-working employees,...more
Following New York State’s four-phased guidance for reopening nonessential businesses and expanding essential businesses in the state (“New York Forward” or “NYF”), New York City begins Phase One of NYF on June 8, 2020. In...more