California Responds to Coronavirus Workplace Concerns

​California is known for its employee-friendly laws, so it's no surprise that the state is offering resources to workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

"Workers shouldn't be fired if they miss work because they've been quarantined or isolated due to a public health emergency like the coronavirus," said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. She recently announced a bill that would protect workers from retaliation if they take leave during public health emergencies.

California's leaders are responding to many questions about workers' rights and employers' responsibilities as the new strain of coronavirus—and the respiratory illness it causes, known as COVID-19—spreads.

We've rounded up resources and articles from SHRM Online and other trusted outlets on this topic.

Labor Commissioner Releases FAQs on Paid Sick Leave

Can an employee use California Paid Sick Leave due to COVID-19 illness? If an employee exhausts sick leave, can other paid leave be used? Can an employer require a worker who is quarantined to exhaust paid sick leave? The state labor commissioner's office released answers to these questions and more.

(California Department of Industrial Relations)

Paid Leave and Unemployment Benefits May Be Available

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is providing support for people in the state who are affected by COVID-19. With proper medical certification, workers may have access to state disability insurance and paid family leave benefits if they have been exposed to the virus or are caring for a relative who is sick or quarantined because of COVID-19. Workers may also be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if their employer has reduced work hours or temporarily shut down because of the virus outbreak. The EDD recommends that workers use the agency's online resources for the fastest access to services.

(California Employment Development Department)

California-Specific Safety Standards

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) standard is meant to prevent worker illness from infectious diseases that can be transmitted by inhaling air that contains viruses such as COVID-19, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. Only certain health care providers in the state are required to follow the Cal/OSHA ATD standard, but it may provide a helpful roadmap for protecting other workers who are exposed to COVID-19.

(Littler) 

Stop These Coronavirus Myths from Spreading

People in Asia contracted the coronavirus because they ate bat soup. People can catch the virus by drinking Corona beer. The virus has killed thousands of people in the U.S. alone. Ethanol, steroids and salty water can cure the coronavirus. These are among the myths circulating worldwide about the outbreak of COVID-19. Here's what employers should know to curb the spread of misinformation.

(SHRM Online)