What if my business is closed? Does the emergency paid sick leave apply to my employees?!

This is an inquiry I received from several clients yesterday regarding the emergency paid sick leave, so I wanted to follow up and make clear: DO NOT PANIC.

The emergency paid sick leave only applies if your business is still open (physically or virtually) and an employee is unable to work because she is quarantined by state or local order, has to care for a child whose school is closed due to COVID, is required to care for a sick loved one, or is sick herself, AND (*this is important*) is unable to telecommute.

You will receive a tax credit for payments made pursuant to this Act. Small businesses with less than 50 employees may apply for an exemption if this would jeopardize the ongoing viability of their business.

However, and this is important, PLEASE review the information found at the Department of Labor. This Law is nuanced, and it is impossible to cover all of its provisions in a short blog post as everyone's situation will vary, but it will give you an overview of the emergency paid sick leave.

Obligatory Legal Disclaimer: this is not legal advice! Not even close! Contact us if you need more information or need to inquire about your specific situation. Don't be shy!