Due to the coronavirus pandemic, employers across Connecticut are faced with unknown situations in the work environment and have a lot of questions on how to deal with the issues rising among their employees. New laws and regulations are passed fast every day, and they have to be well informed about these changes and how they apply in their business.
Our world is facing an extraordinary health crisis, and everybody is concerned about how this situation is affecting their employment.
If you are an employer, you should consult a business law attorney in Connecticut. Each business has a unique working environment situation. An experienced business law lawyer can guide you on preparing and implementing new plans for your workplace based on the latest laws and regulations related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The authorities are continually updating the appropriate preventative guidelines for the businesses and the employers, who are requested to be informed about the latest developments.
Businesses need to think about how to lessen the risk of Covid-19 spread in their workplace by doing the following:
- Take the necessary precautions to reduce the transmission among their employees
- Keep their business operations healthy
- Maintain a healthy working environment
Health Protocols And Measures Updating Constantly
Specific health and safety protocols have to be followed. The State of Connecticut is continuously updating the measures that should be followed by the businesses to protect the people during the pandemic.
During the outbreak, the nonessential in-person business activities have to be suspended. Employers are requested to implement teleconference and work from home procedures to protect their employees from being exposed to the virus as much as possible.
Businesses are also requested to take additional protective measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Such other measures prescribed by the state are considered to be mandatory rules.
Funding programs and grants are made available to manufacturers and businesses that can produce supplies and equipment essential for responding to the coronavirus emergency. There are grants offered through programs that can be used by the companies in need to repurpose their operations. They help businesses to build capacity and keep working.
Furthermore, individuals and small businesses may be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program if they meet the program standards to cover certain expenses when encountered with job retention.
Small business owner’s guides are published to provide relief from the coronavirus pandemic consequences. Moreover, some companies may be eligible to apply for disaster-relief loans. Also, the deadlines for filing and payments related to specific state business tax returns have been extended.
Furthermore, employers are allowed through specific Department of Labor programs to reduce working hours and have those salaries supplemented with unemployment insurance. There is also unemployment assistance for employees directly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a business owner, you should review your business interruption insurance. Your business interruption insurance policy should describe the types of events that it covers. Generally, the events not listed in your policy cannot be covered. However, it would help if you discussed with your insurance company your policy’s coverage limits and applicable deductibles, as well as the policy’s exclusions.
It would be best if you also got informed about the reimbursement of medical leave costs related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Different Perspective
There are business people who believe that as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, they are damaging the way they conduct their operations. However, the importance of online conferences and the people who get familiar with the use of online communication tools are tremendously increasing.
The attendance in online conferences has brought people all around the world closer, exchanging vital information and ideas.
The benefits from this online networking are significant, and businesses should take advantage of these opportunities aroused. People have realized the importance of networking and client development opportunities for virtual events. Furthermore, virtual conferences can realize essential cost savings.
Contact A Connecticut Business Law Attorney
The Covid-19 pandemic has significant legal implications on the business world. We have been monitoring the situation and have replied to a variety of questions from our clients.
If you are an employer and need information and guidance on implementing the new health and safety protocols and measures into your business’s working environment, call us at Aeton Law Partners for your free consultation. It is crucial to be able to protect your employees from being exposed to the Covid-19 virus. Businesses must do what it takes to prevent the potential spread of the virus.