On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued additional guidance on return-to-work issues
under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Enacted
at the end of March, the FFCRA provides emergency paid sick leave, and
paid family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for
certain workers affected by COVID-19.
In general, employers of fewer than 500 employees are required
to grant up to 80 hours of paid sick leave to workers exposed to
COVID-19, required to quarantine, or unable to work or telework
because of the closure of their child's school or place of care
(the rate of pay is capped). Parents of children whose place of
care is closed may also be eligible for up to 12 weeks of FMLA
leave, 10 of them paid (again, subject to statutory caps). The DOL
previously issued guidance as to employees' rights to leave
for school or other child care closures during the summer months.
Paid leave under the FFCRA is fully paid for by the
