The COVID19 pandemic continues to be front and center in our lives.   Things are changing very fast so I thought it would be helpful to round up some relevant facts.

Talking Employee’s Temperature.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has now given employers the green light to take employees’ temperatures to try and ward off the spread.

Will taking temperatures really work?

“Generally, measuring an employee’s body temperature is a medical examination,” but because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged community spread of COVID-19, employers may measure employees’ body temperature. However, employers should be aware that some people with COVID-19 do not have a fever,” the agency stated. “And some people with a fever do not have COVID-19.”

Do ensure that there is social distancing and keep people at least six feet apart when they are standing in line to have their temperatures measured.

(SHRM.org)

The “Families First Coronavirus Response” legislation that passed March 18 will provide:

• Free coronavirus testing (for both insured and uninsured) if you meet the medical criteria
• Enhanced unemployment insurance
• Additional funding for nutritional programs.
• Paid sick leave:

Employers with fewer than 500 employees must provide 80 hrs of paid-sick-leave benefits if:

• The employee has been ordered to self-quarantine or isolate
• They have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking a medical diagnosis, or caring for a relative in quarantine or isolation, or their child’s school or daycare is closed
• Paid-sick-leave benefits will be capped at $511 a day. The benefit expires at the end of 2020.

(CNN)

Don’t forget the State of Florida has a benefit called THE SHORT TIME COMPENSATION PROGRAM which helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff.  Read more at floridajobs.org

Lastly, by the time you read this, Congress will have passed another bill that will put $1,200 in the hands of every tax payer that made less than 75K. This also includes seniors getting social security.

Like they say about the oxygen mask in an airplane, take care of yourself first. Only then can you take care of those around you. Stay safe and wash your hands.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com