EMPLOYERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO PROVIDE TWO WEEKS OR MORE OF PAID SICK LEAVE FOR COVID 19-RELATED ABSENCES!
When Am I Eligible for Two Weeks of Paid Sick Leave?
You may be eligible if you miss work because:
- You are required to quarantine or need to care for a quarantined family member or
- You had COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a formal diagnosis or
- You need to care for a child, under the age of 18, whose school or child care provider was closed because of COVID-19.
Do I Ever Get More Than Two Weeks of COVID-Related Sick Leave?
Yes. If your employer has 50 or more employees and you have been employed by that employer for more than 30 days, you are entitled to an additional 10 weeks of paid leave if you missed work to care for a child whose school or childcare provider was closed due to COVID-19. Employers with less 50 employees are also covered, if they do not obtain a government waiver due to hardship.
What Do I Need to Do to Get the Leave?
Immediately notify your employer orally and in writing of the need for the absence and the reasons for it. Or, if you have been absent already, notify your employer orally and in writing that you were absent for COVID-19-related reasons.
For Violations, You May be Entitled to Your Lost Wages Along with Penalties!
If your employer fails to pay you for this leave, you may make a claim in court and receive between two to four times the value of the paid sick leave plus your lawyer’s legal fees.
Do You Have Questions?
If you have questions about this law, contact a lawyer who has experience in this area of the law.
This information is not intended to be legal advice. Consult a lawyer for individual advice regarding your situation.