On September 14, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill (SB) 2380 into law. SB 2380 creates
a rebuttable presumption of workers' compensation coverage for
COVID-19 cases contracted by "essential employees" during
a public health emergency declared by an executive order of the
governor. The law is effective immediately and retroactive to March
9, 2020.
The law defines "essential employee" as "an
employee in the public or private sector who during a state of
emergency":
- is a public safety worker or first
responder, including any fire, police or other emergency
responders;
- is involved in providing medical and
other healthcare services, emergency transportation, social
services, and other care services, including services provided in
health care facilities, residential facilities, or homes;
