This week, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) confirming that group health plans and issuers must provide 100% coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests beginning
Latest from Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Businesses - Page 2
The Supreme Court Stays OSHA Rule Requiring Vaccination or Testing for Most Private Employers
Near the end of 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued the Emergency Temporary Standard (the ETS), which required employers with 100 or more employees to put in place a mandatory vaccination policy or require weekly COVID-19 testing
Cal/OSHA Updates FAQs Regarding Isolation and Quarantine
California State and Local Governments and Health Authorities Continue Updating COVID-19 Guidance and Recommendations
As the COVID-19 landscape evolves and the Omicron variant pervades, state and local governments and health authorities have modified their recommendations, guidance, and regulations in an effort to manage the pandemic.
For example, on December 30, 2021, following the CDC’s
CDC Revises Guidance on Quarantine, Isolation, and Booster Shots
The CDC recently updated its guidelines on, among other things, quarantine and isolation periods and recommendations regarding booster shots. Below is a high-level summary of some of these changes.
At the end of December 2021, the CDC updated its guidance
CDC Shortens the Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period
In an updated guidance released on December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced the recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population. The term “isolation” refers to the recommended behavior after a confirmed COVID-19
Sixth Circuit Grants the Biden Administration’s Motion to Dissolve the Stay of the OSHA Vaccine ETS
On December 17, 2021, the Sixth Circuit granted the Biden Administration’s motion to Dissolve the Stay of the OSHA Vaccine ETS, which was issued by the Fifth Circuit on November 5, 2021. See link to full opinion. Judge Stranch
Cal/OSHA Revises COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards to Remove Distinctions for Vaccinated Workers
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Board) readopted a revised version of its earlier Emergency Temporary Standards (Standard) for employers on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace on December 16, 2021. The revised Standard was readopted
EEOC Updates Its COVID-19 Related Guidance
On December 14, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance to affirm that workers who contract COVID-19 can be protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Depending on an individual employee’s specific circumstances,
California Reinstitutes Mask Mandate
On December 13, 2021, the California Department of Health (CPDH) reinstituted a statewide mask mandate. From December 15, 2021 through at least January 15, 2022, all individuals will be required to wear masks in indoor public settings. The mandate applies