On June 8, 2020, New York City will enter “Phase 1” of the State of New York’s Reopening Plan, which could result in upwards of 400,000 individuals returning to work in the City. Similar reopening plans in New Jersey and Massachusetts have begun to hit the first of several criteria in their respective Reopening Plans.
New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Construction Projects during the COVID-19 Emergency
On May 13, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued a model plan and guidance for reopening and operating construction sites in New York State during the Covid-19 Emergency. There is also an overall guide from the State entitled: NY Forward Reopening Guide that contains more general information. The following are links to the Master Guide, the Short Guide, Model Plan and Reopening Guide all prepared by the State of New York.
Federal Reserve Board Expands Scope and Eligibility for Main Street Lending Program
On April 9, 2020, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve announced the Main Street Lending Program (“Program”) to expand upon emergency loans otherwise provided by the CARES Act and to provide additional funding opportunities for small to mid-size businesses.
Liability For Educational Decisions: Student Grading and Placement in the Age Of COVID-19
The disruptive impact of the CV-19 pandemic has impacted all areas of society including education.
OSHA Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of COVID-19 Goes Into Effect Today, May 26, 2020
The new guidance memorandum from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) regarding employers’ obligations to record confirmed cases of COVID-19 goes into effect today and rescinds OSHA’s prior guidance on this topic.
Planning for Reopening: Considerations for Schools
States across the nation are beginning to plan for reopening businesses, houses of worship, and other venues. In many states, however, schools have committed to concluding the school year without returning to face-to-face instruction and the use of school facilities.
Emergency Drug Distributions During COVID-19
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has altered business operations worldwide and brought the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to the forefront of international focus.
Standard of Care and Re-Opening Construction Projects
Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York are moving to allow stalled construction projects to restart. For employers on job sites, be they owners, construction managers, general contractors, trade contractors or suppliers, the risks posed by coronavirus on reopened construction sites are concerning.
Draft CDC Guidelines on Reopening for Child Care, Schools and Day Camps, Faith Communities, Vulnerable Workers, Restaurants and Bars and Mass Transit
CDC developed draft guidance to assist employers in reopening while making reasonable and effective efforts to contain the corona virus that spreads COVID-19. See infra While the draft guidelines are targeted to services that attract groups of people in close contact, there are some general principles that will help many commercial offices and businesses to reopen safely.
How Can Construction Companies Manage the Hazards Related to COVID-19?
As workers return to jobsites, construction companies, like all employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. If workers (including the trades, construction managers, project managers, bank inspectors, superintendents or design professionals) are exposed to the virus or contract COVID-19, employers may face liability under the OSHA General Duty Clause.