On Saturday we sent you the United States Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) latest Questions & Answers regarding the FFCRA. Read Saturday's News Alert here. The DOL clarified that the various counties’ Shelter In Place orders and the State’s Stay At Home order do not constitute “a federal, state or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19”. Thus, employees sent home due to a Shelter Order or Governor Newsom’s Stay At Home Order, and who do not meet one of the other 5 criteria, are NOT entitled to receive the new paid sick leave.
Today we are passing on the United States Senate Committee On Small Business & Entrepreneurship’s FAQs explaining the new SBA loans available to you. These FAQs include invaluable information to assist you in understanding how to apply for an SBA loan, how the funds may be used, and which uses of the funds will result in the loan being forgiven. You can find the FAQs here.
Sweeney Mason is available to assist our clients and community with their legally-related issues and concerns during this uncertain time. We are in daily contact with governmental offices and various trade organizations to monitor the developments surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. At this juncture, and given the fast-paced changes to the applicable orders and mandates, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to COVID-19-related legal matters. Contracts, employment issues, ongoing lawsuits, and other matters impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and with the assistance of Sweeney Mason. Please contact our employment team directly by calling 408.356.3000 or by emailing Roger Mason at rmason@smwb.com or Rachael Brown at reb@smwb.com.
The following links may assist you in evaluating some of the issues you may have. Stay safe!
DOL Publications:
CDC Guidelines:
Interim Guidance on Risk Assessment for Individuals with Possible COVID-19 Exposure
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
OSHA:
Preparing Your Workplace for COVID-19
California:
Santa Clara County:
Public Health Department FAQs on the Shelter in Place Order