DOL ISSUED GUIDANCE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT

March 25, 2020
The United States Department of Labor has just published its first guidance for employers and employees on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Our guidance issued on March 23, 2020 will be updated in accordance with the DOL Guidance. The model notice has not yet been issued. However, the DOL Guidance clarifies that the paid leave portion of the Act does not stack for childcare leave – it runs concurrently. In a situation where an employee cannot work due to the unavailability of school or childcare due to COVID-19, all employees (of covered employers) are entitled to two weeks of paid leave (at the employee’s regular rate of pay) for this purpose. After the expiration of these two weeks (or 10 days), any employee who has worked for 30 days for the employer and is unable to work, is entitled to receive an additional 10 weeks of paid leave (2/3rds pay subject to caps/limitations) to take care of a son or daughter.

Executive Order 20-03-23-01 and Your Community

March 24, 2020

On March 23, 2020, Governor Hogan issued Executive Order 20-03-23-01 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and there are several provisions of the Order that impact community associations. The purpose of the alert is to provide guidance to our Maryland community association clients regarding the impact of these provisions. Fortunately, we do not believe that the Order will substantially impede the ability of Maryland community associations to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Executive Order Fifty-three

March 24, 2020

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.

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Guidance for Employers for Compliance with Families First Coronavirus Act

March 24, 2020

President Trump signed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (the “Act”) on March 18, 2020.  The Act becomes effective on April 2, 2020 and expires on December 31, 2020.  This comprehensive legislation requires employers with less than 500 employees to provide employees with paid Family Medical Leave Act Leave for qualifying needs related to a public health emergency and paid sick leave for certain leave necessitated due to a public health emergency (COVID-19).  The Act also provides for tax credits to employers that are required to provide additional paid leave under th

Note from Joel M. Birken to our clients regarding COVID-19

March 20, 2020

Rees Broome’s management has been diligently monitoring the accelerating developments surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and evaluating how we can best serve and protect our employees, clients and communities.  We are steadfast in our continued commitment to the health and safety of our employees, clients, friends and families.  As such, I wanted to share with you an update on

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COVID-19 Guidance to Employers

March 18, 2020

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

Maryland Client Alert – Closure of Gyms As a Result of COVID-19

March 18, 2020

On March 16, 2020, Governor Hogan ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, theatres and gyms, effective immediately.  He emphasized that such action was taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and to save lives.  Although the order from the governor did not specifically reference gyms within condominiums and homeowners associations, we are taking the position at Rees Broome that the order extends to all gyms, including gyms within community associations, as the goal of the order is to reduce transmission of the virus.  In addition, as President Trump recently advised against