On June 1, 2020, Puerto Rico amended its Workers' Accident Compensation Act to extend workers’ compensation insurance coverage to certain employees who get infected with COVID-19 while performing their duties.
Puerto Rico’s lockdown measures have affected deadlines imposed by government agencies, including deadlines imposed by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department.
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to wreak havoc on industries and businesses around the world, disputes regarding breaches of contractual obligations are likely to increase.
As Puerto Rico starts to reopen, the government is placing much of the burden to stop the spread of COVID-19 on employers. On May 1, 2020, Puerto Rico Secretary of Labor issued Opinion Letter 2020-03 to implement Executive Order 2020-38.
A new Executive Order issued in Puerto Rico allows certain commercial businesses and/or commercial activities or services that had remained closed and/or suspended since March 15, 2020, to resume operations.
A new Puerto Rico Circular Letter provides that, effective immediately, any private employer that lays off or reduces employees’ regular working hours is required to notify them of the benefits available under the Unemployment Insurance Program.
On April 17, 2020, a majority of the Brazilian Supreme Court of Justice (STF) upheld the constitutionality of Provisional Measure # 936 (MP # 936), bringing some relief for employers struggling to implement steps to reduce labor costs during the pandemic.
On April 15, 2020, Puerto Rico’s Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources issued guidance discussing the basic elements employers are required to include in their plans to limit employee exposure to COVID-19.
