Workers' Compensation Presumption For COVID-19 Contracted In The Workplace

A new California law extends a workers' compensation presumption for employees who test positive for COVID-19 contracted in the workplace. Senate Bill 1159, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, extends the COVID-19 presumptions that were contained in a now-expired executive order Newsom signed in May.

SB 1159 extends a COVID-19 presumption to:

1. employees who worked between March 19 and July 5, and tested positive within 14 days of reporting to work,
2. first responders and health care workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 after working on or after July 6 and
3. certain employees who work with employers who have five or more employees and who are diagnosed with COVID-19 after working on or after July 6.