New Law

By Susan Richards Salen, Esquire

ETS for Large Employers Requiring Vaccination and Testing Issued

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its Emergency Temporary Standard on COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing applicable to large employers (those that employ 100 or more employees). Access OSHA information on and full regulation here: COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

Key points of the regulation are as follows:

One year after being thrust into a crash course on electronic meeting platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual meetings and electronic voting options are here to stay for associations in Virginia.

Last week, the Virginia General Assembly passed a Bill that provides an association’s Board of Directors with extensive authority to prohibit smoking within condominiums and property owners’ associations.  A Board of Directors of a condominium association may, by a majority vote of the Board, prohibit smoking both in the common elements and in units, unless the recorded condominium instruments contain existing language that would prohibit the Board from doing so.  A Board of Directors for a property owners’ association may prohibit smoking in common areas by a

In addition to the many provisions under the CARES Act of 2020 providing relief to businesses, both large and small, Congress sought to assist individuals who may be feeling the economic effects of COVID-19, including those who have lost their jobs as a result.  Such relief comes at a price tag of approximately $600 billion of the $2 trillion total relief package.  This article summarizes some of the major provisions designed to aid individuals.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020, is a record-breaking expenditure designed to help individuals and certain businesses weather the economic storm they are facing in light of
the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Paycheck Protection Program

NUMBER FIFTY-THREE (2020)

TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON RESTAURANTS, RECREATIONAL,
ENTERTAINMENT, GATHERINGS, NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL BUSINESSES,
AND CLOSURE OF K-12 SCHOOLS DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Importance of the Issue

When does this order go into effect? What areas of the state are covered?
The order is in effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 11:59 PM until Thursday, April 23 at 11:59 PM. It applies to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

Will this order be changed?
Governor Northam, in consultation with State Health Commissioner Oliver, may adjust this order or issue new orders as needed, given the quickly-changing public health situation.

The President of the United States has declared a national emergency; schools are closed; national sports leagues and concerts and other live entertainment has been canceled; the size of gatherings restricted; bars and restaurants are closed, however some organizations and businesses must continue to operate and teleworking for employees may not be an option.  Various labor and employment laws regulate what an employer can do, including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLS