Seyfarth Synopsis: Effective July 13, 2020, California issued statewide restrictions on a number of business operations due to the resurgence of COVID-19. It ordered all bars to close for indoor and outdoor service, as well as indoor services for restaurants, wineries, and movie theaters. The State also closed fitness centers, non-essential offices, places of
Real Households of California: Issues with Domestic Workers
Seyfarth Synopsis: When we think of California employers encountering complex issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, images of retail, service, and other types of businesses come to mind. But one special type of employer needs to be mindful of California law: the family who employs workers to support the household as nannies, chefs, security personnel, personal
‘Cause Baby, There’s No Fireworks: California Rolls Back Reopenings
Seyfarth Synopsis: Two weeks after issuing a statewide face covering mandate, and just days after ordering seven counties to shut down bars, Governor Newsom made the decision to re-close the indoor operations of several sectors in 19 counties in an attempt to flatten the spike in new California COVID-19 cases.
As summer began and
Nothing Comes Close To The Golden Coast: California Requires Masks
Seyfarth Synopsis: As counties begin loosening local restrictions and summer approaches, and in an effort to preempt a rise in COVID-19 cases, the California Department of Public Health issued a directive mandating that residents statewide wear face coverings.
Before today, California only recommended that residents wear face coverings as a precautionary measure with COVID-19, and
Changing California Commission and Bonus Plans In The Time Of COVID
Seyfarth Synopsis: California employers seeking to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may consider adjusting certain pay plans as a way to control costs. Where these adjustments involve commission agreements and bonus plans, it makes cents to invest some time in recalling that phrase coined by Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays
More Laundry? Keeping Uniforms Clean in the Time of COVID
Seyfarth Synopsis: In the popular PBS show Downton Abbey, a large staff attends to the every domestic need of the British Earl and his family. Those of us somewhat less fortunate have likely felt the additional household burdens associated with the SIP orders. And as California businesses re-open, companies and workers have yet another
Nor-Cal Businesses Told “Try Not and Do Not” (For Now)
Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 29, 2020, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, as well as the City of Berkeley, issued updated shelter-in-place orders. These orders take effect May 4 and run through May 31, 2020. They nominally adjust the restrictions that have been
San Francisco’s Stimulus: Employees Can Use Healthcare Funds During COVID-19
Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 28, 2020, Mayor London Breed announced a plan to allow employees working in San Francisco to use funds from the Healthcare Security Ordinance (“HCSO”) contributions to buy “necessary expenditures,” including food, rent, and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, use of these funds were limited to eligible health care expenses.
San Francisco, San Jose Extend Required Paid Sick Leave
Seyfarth Synopsis: Last week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the San Jose City Council enacted emergency ordinances to expand paid sick leave beyond that provided under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. While San Francisco’s Public Health Emergency Leave ordinance awaits Mayor London Breed’s signature, Mayor Sam Liccardo has signed the
Bonuses in the Time of COVID: Avoiding California Pitfalls
Seyfarth Synopsis: Employers offering bonuses to workers during the COVID-19 crisis must beware the famous saying that “wisdom comes to us when it can no longer do any good.” Some bonuses trigger special rules that employers must follow to avoid unexpected liabilities in the time of COVID.
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