What Employers Should Know About New Paid Leave Requirements

"The new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) ensures that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the coronavirus, while at the same time helping small- and medium-sized businesses provide paid leave during the coronavirus pandemic that’s reimbursed dollar for dollar.

The law requires most private employers (including nonprofits) that have fewer than 500 employees to provide paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specific reasons related to COVID-19. These employers will be reimbursed for the cost of providing paid leave through tax credits.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. Here’s what employers should know about the law, and resources to help them comply.

Requirements

Covered employers must provide to all employees:**

Paid sick leave up to two weeks or 80 hours at the employees’ regular rate of pay or the minimum wage (whichever is higher),* if one of these scenarios applies:**

• They are under a government quarantine or stay-at-home order.
• They have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine.
• They are seeking a diagnosis for COVID-19 symptoms.

Paid sick leave up to two weeks or 80 hours at 2/3 of the employees’ regular rate of pay or the minimum wage (whichever is higher),* if either scenario applies:**

• They are caring for somebody under a government quarantine or stay-at-home order, or who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine.
• They are caring for their child whose school, child care provider, or place of care is unavailable due to COVID-19..."
  Paid leave