Employers have been concerned about how layoffs and constructive dismissals that occur during the COVID-19 pandemic would be viewed by the courts under the common law.
In an effort to prevent the occupational exposure to an airborne infectious disease, the New York legislature has passed the aptly named New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act, which amends the New York Labor Law.
On April 28, 2021, Ontario announced in a News Release that it will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, would require employers to pay employees up to $200 per day for up to three days if they miss work for reasons relating to COVID-19.
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance concerning facial coverings and social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals.
On April 26, 2021, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration sent emergency workplace safety rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the Office of Management and Budget for review.
On April 20, 2021, Peel Public Health (Peel) and the City of Toronto Public Health (Toronto) announced they would be issuing Orders directing business closures in certain circumstances.
The Sub-District Court in Maastricht upheld the summary dismissal of an employee who travelled to an orange zone destination despite his employer’s COVID-19-related travel restrictions.
On April 21, 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance, effective immediately, prohibiting adverse action against all Chicago workers—including independent contractors—who take time off from work to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
