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As millions of Americans continue to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it seems as if there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. For others who have contracted COVID-19, however, they are not as fortunate. Some of these folks face a more harrowing journey because their symptoms persist and may be debilitating for many months after their diagnosis with the disease. This condition is dubbed “long COVID,” and its victims referred to as “long haulers.” An estimated 11.78 million Americans are coping with long COVID, and many of these individuals may be your employees. What protections do these long haulers have in the workplace?
This month, the EEOC announced that it recognizes that “long COVID” may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in certain circumstances, agreeing with the Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice in their “Guidance on ‘Long COVID’ as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557.”
In my “Breaking Through The Noise: Labor & Employment Issues Post-Pandemic” segment, I explain the symptoms of “long COVID” and discuss issues employers may face under the ADA and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), when dealing with long haulers. Please listen to my segment (timestamp: 25:59-37:42), to check out the cartoon explaining what HR is likely going to experience and to join me as I put on my ADA/FMLA hats and answer the following questions:
You heard the following directive yesterday from President Biden: Private employers with 100 or more employees must ensure their workers are vaccinated against COVID-19 or require unvaccinated employees to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work.
With Hurricane Elsa heading towards Florida, people are beginning to stock up on water, batteries, gas, and canned food. While it important to be prepared and plan ahead for your home and family, as an HR professional, it is equally as important to make sure your business is safeguarded and appropriate procedures are in place.
As mandates are lifted and more Americans are getting vaccinated, many people are beginning to feel comfortable in group settings, especially outdoors. After more than a year of limited in-person celebrations, 4th of July is the first major holiday that may see more people gathering and wanting to embrace the time off work.
Thank you to our clients and friends who have watched ”Breaking Through the Noise: Labor & Employment Issues Post-Pandemic” so far! We hope you enjoyed it and were provided with timely, relevant and valuable insight.
