COVID-19 Updates
Managing Employees Return to Work After COVID-19 Pandemic – Food for Thought
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released additional guidance for employers on what they can do when employees begin returning to work to balance a safe work environment with employment laws. The publication can be found at: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-updates-covid-19-technical-assistance-publication The publication, entitled “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, [...]
Update: What Construction Activity is Currently Allowed and What COVID-19 Safety Requirements Apply
On April 29, 2020, Governor Inslee authorized a “Limited Phase 1 Construction Restart.” This is the first phase of the construction restart, and not all construction activity is allowed under Phase 1. Only the following construction projects are authorized during Phase 1: Any of the “essential” construction activities that were exempt from the Governor’s original [...]
Update: Effect of Governor’s Orders on Suspension of Public Records Act – Extended to May 11, and Open Public Meetings Act Suspension to May 31, 2020
On May 4, 2020, Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31, 2020. On May 5, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-28.2 which extended certain statutory waivers and suspensions until May 31, 2020, except for RCW 42.56.520(1) – the “prompt response” requirement of the Public Records Act, which is only extended [...]
Remote Working During COVID-19 Pandemic
Under Proclamation 20-05, employees who work for an essential business may continue to perform their duties at their normal worksite. Even so, there may be prudent business reasons, or in some cases legal requirements (e.g., with high-risk workers) to have some employees perform their work remotely. Businesses that have not been deemed essential by the [...]