By: Emilee B. Gehling and Kecia C. Van’t Hof
June 2020
Having withstood the initial business shocks caused by COVID-19, it is clear that the pandemic will affect our businesses and economy for years to come. State and local laws continue to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenging times do not need to be faced alone, and attorneys can aid with navigating all of these changes. An employer is now faced with decisions about how to mana
ge, and whether to continue, a “work from home policy”. But the questions of “how will our employees be paid; What are the new regulations with regards to business hours?; What should we do if someone in our company gets COVID-19?” and so on. There are a number of resources available to help you stay in compliance with the state and local ordinances that are already in place and keep you up to date on any changes that will take place in the future.
For starters, it is important for business to start and keep updated a plan in case their office will have to shut down/work from home, or a plan for potential infection of an employee. The plan should include:
“A description of how the business of the organization will continue in the event of a temporary closure, government shut down or furlough.
A remote work policy that allows the continuation of operations while employees work from home.
Additional cleaning or sanitization services, along with the provision of soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes to ensure a safe workspace.
And continual communications to the workforce that provide up-to-date, accurate information on best practices and precautions for protecting oneself against COVID-19”.
The High Demand for Lawyers Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, Lyle Moran. Abajournal.com, March 17, 2020.
For resources and infomation concerning COVID-19 in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, pleases see the attached links:
· Back to Work Resources
· Iowa
· Nebraska
· South Dakota
GO Law Firm can assist in helping develop plans for businesses to include these protections and safety precautions moving forward. If you need assistance, or just have a question concerning COVID-19 and its effect on your business, please reach out to our office and we would be happy to assist you during these uncertain times.