Within the last few days, the pace of new guidance from both the state and federal governments has slowed down just a bit.
Now, we seem to be preparing for the next ‘phase’ of this pandemic.
Whatever that looks like.
The state courts have been at a virtual standstill but we are starting to hear signs that the courts are working on plans to run some business such as teleconferences etc.; the Supreme and Appellate Courts are beginning their work virtually too. Video conferencing is on its way. The federal courts here are still moving along fairly well.
And the state announced that it is going to be working with other area states about slowly reopening businesses too — though we are still probably several weeks off on this.
There are a number of other pandemic and non-pandemic developments that I wanted to highlight here:
- First up, my colleagues at Shipman & Goodwin LLP have put together a FAQ for independent schools who are considering loans under the CARES Act (also known as the Paycheck Protection Act). It addresses inquiries such as “Will the school be considered a recipient of federal financial assistance if it accepts PPP loan funds?” and shows that the funds that are being distributed with some strings attached.
- The Connecticut Association of Diversity and Equity Professionals (CADEP) and the Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities has issued a Best Practices Guide for maintaining confidentiality during internal investigations conducted by state agencies, board and commissions. The guidance is in response to Public Act 19-16 which dealt with such investigations.
- While we’re at it, the CHRO has not indicated that the sexual harassment prevention training that must be completed by October 1, 2020 is getting delayed. Employers who may have gotten off track over the last several weeks, should consider adding this back in to their “to do” lists.
- Late last week, the EEOC updated its “What You Should Know” page regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it relates to the ADA and other EEO laws.
- OSHA announced a relaxation of the reporting obligations for employers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also released new guidance for package delivery workers.
- Lastly, a final reminder that I’ll be on the Hartford County Bar Association webinar today talking about labor & employment law issues related to the pandemic. It’s free and it starts at 2p.
