COVID-19 Update: May 8, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives and organizations, and is evolving quickly each and every day. Parker, Smith & Feek is dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest information.

Employee Benefits

New Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidance on Employee Testing Permission

As employers prepare for the return of their workforces, the EEOC has provided guidance on permissions for testing employees for COVID-19 prior to entering the workplace. Read more on their website.

Guide to Creating a Return to Work Action Plan

As our states move closer to bringing employees back to the workplace, we are making a template available that our clients may use as a starting point for planning and communication. It includes guidelines regarding modifying workspaces, disinfecting areas, social distancing, personal hygiene, reviewing policies, and more. Remember to work with your legal counsel to assure that local regulations; city and state are included.

Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay (HELP) Expands to More Industries

Colorado issued an amendment to their HELP rules making paid leave available for up to two weeks, with a maximum of 90 hours. The pay will be two-thirds of the employee’s usual rate, with no dollar caps. The leave will end following certain periods of being symptom free. Read the update to learn more.

Colorado Business Recommendations – At-The-Door Symptom Checking

During Colorado’s Safer-at-Home Phase, the Department of Public Health recommends businesses to conduct daily temperature checks and monitor symptoms in employees for businesses with 25 employees or more. Smaller businesses may ask employees to do self-temperature and symptom checks at home daily before coming in to work. All symptomatic employees should be referred to the CDPHE Symptom Tracker. Learn more about how to conduct a facility health screening at their website.

Washington State Updates Exchange Special Enrollment

Employees currently enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage may now qualify for a special enrollment period if their coverage costs change due to their former employer stopping contributions. Learn more and get answers to other frequently asked questions on the Washington Healthplanfinder website.

Oregon Issues Emergency Order for Health Insurance Companies

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued a new emergency order for health insurance companies during the COVID-19 outbreak. It requires companies to provide grace periods for past due premiums, pay claims for covered services during a portion of the grace period, and extend claims reporting and other communications deadlines. Read the complete order for more details.

City of Seattle Expands Paid Sick Leave

The City of Seattle has amended their Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance to expand the accepted types of absences to include when their family member’s school or place of care has been closed. Read more about the ordinance and temporary emergency rule on their website.

General Insurance

Webinar Series – Pivoting During a Crisis

We hosted two webinars for clients facing unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on strategies for pivoting and executing change while managing fluid risks. Watch the recordings to learn more:
Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Distribution Focused
Food & Hospitality Focused

Risk Management

Returning to Work

As businesses across the country prepare to return to work, there are many risk considerations to consider and implement with the continuing threat of COVID-19. Read articles by Art Chang for contractors and Kevin Coslett for property owners that list questions to address and helpful resources.

Contractors – Art Chang
Property Owners – Kevin Coslett

General Resources

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Interactive Map for State-Specific Reopening
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce published an interactive map to help businesses with local rules and guidelines that provides details on state-specific reopening information. This map includes helpful information on employee screening, crowd size limitations, personal protective equipment workplace requirements, cleaning and sanitation procedures, and more. change while managing fluid risks. Watch the recordings to learn more:
Visit the website to learn more and explore the map.

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