Massachusetts Enacts COVID-19 Emergency Sick Leave Requirement

Massachusetts employees are now eligible for Emergency Paid Sick Leave for several reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continuing through September 30, 2021, or until the $75 million allocated to this program is exhausted, all Massachusetts employers, regardless of size, are required to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave that will be reimbursed through the State's Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The legislation, enacted on an emergency basis, provides that employees may use this paid time off for several reasons that include:

• self-isolation due to a COVID-19 diagnosis;
• seeking diagnosis, care, or treatment for COVID-19 symptoms;
• obtaining the vaccine or recovering from side-effects;