Category Archives: COVID-19

American Rescue Plan Act Contains COBRA Subsidies

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Ashlyn Dowd

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA” or the “Act”) into law. The Act creates a six-month subsidy period, from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021, during which individuals who lost health … Continue reading →

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The American Rescue Plan and Paid Leave: What Employers Need to Know

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Amanda Marie Baer

On March 10, 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  President Biden is expected to sign the Act into law by March 14, 2021. Employers are rightfully eager to learn whether the Act extends the Families First … Continue reading →

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COVID-19 Related Updates for Massachusetts Employers

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Amanda Marie Baer

New COVID Relief Bill On Monday, December 21, 2020 the United States Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes several provisions aimed at providing COVID-19 relief (the “Relief Bill”).  As public employers and employers with less than 500 … Continue reading →

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EEOC Releases Guidance on Mandatory Vaccinations

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Brian Casaceli

With Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine receiving emergency approval from the FDA, and emergency approval for Moderna’s vaccine expected shortly, many employers are wondering whether they can require employees to receive the vaccine once it becomes available to the general public. On December … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts’ Sector Specific Workplace Safety Standards for Office Spaces Updated

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Amanda Marie Baer

Governor Baker’s administration updated Massachusetts’ Sector Specific Workplace Specific Safety Standards for Office Spaces to Address COVID-19 (the “Standards”).  While all employers operating office spaces are advised to review the complete Standards, key provisions are: Face coverings: workers and visitors … Continue reading →

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Employers Must Ensure Compliance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as they Re-Open and Recall Employees from Furlough

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Amanda Marie Baer

The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued new Questions and Answers regarding its interpretation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). In relevant part, the DOL made clear that if an employer is calling employees back from furlough, the … Continue reading →

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Update: Families First Coronavirus Act

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Amanda Marie Baer

The Department of Labor issued new guidance over the weekend regarding the Families First Act, including important definitions and clarifications.  I broke down the new guidance into the overall framework of the new EFMLA and EPSLA in this recorded webinar. … Continue reading →

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