For small and medium sized businesses, this specific EO signed by the Governor late Friday night is a game changer. If your employee wakes up with any symptom, now being referred to as a primary or principal symptoms, they are obligated to stay quarantined for 14 days or until they receive a negative test. This also goes for anyone in close contact with that person, with our without the symptoms. This EO protects their position, and they cannot be removed.
Imagine that an employee's spouse wakes up with a sore throat. Not only must the spouse quarantine, your employee is obligated as well. If they have any federally mandated leave days left, you must pay them. If they just want a few days off, you can't do anything about it.
You can no longer use judgement about the symptoms. You are obligated to assume it is COVID-19. Whether it is allergies, a bad dinner, or a hangover, is non longer part of the process.
How can businesses plan for staffing with these types of mandated regulations?
Reach out to your State Representatives now!
