White House Issues COVID-19 Playbook for Employers

On October 25th, the White House issued the "Fall Playbook for Businesses to Manage COVID-19 and Protect Workers."

Why now? Because of the "potential increased risk for a rise in COVID-19 infections this winter."

In October, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made three announcements related to Form I-9 processing.  For now, employers may continue to use the Form I-9 with the October 31, 2022, expiration date. Employers may also continue to remotely view employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain new hires until at least July 31, 2023.  

DOJ Announces Employers' Antitrust Conspiracy

If you have managers who participate in recruiting or hiring decisions, ensure you have educated them about antitrust issues.

The conspiratorial acts of one regional manager created legal liability for his employer, leading to a guilty plea, fines, and restitution of $134,000.

Fun Fact of the Month

I recently learned that one state (Michigan) enacted a law last year that prohibits employees from reporting to work after they: (1) test positive for COVID-19; (2) experience the principal symptoms of COVID-19; or (3) are identified as a close contact of someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 (under certain circumstances); and (4) follow the required quarantine or isolation protocols.

From where did I learn this? Virgil HR!

Full Disclosure: Ms. Walters is an equity partner and Advisory Board member of Virgil HR. 

NOVEMBER'S UPCOMING EVENTS

• Friday, November 4th, "Ethics, Antitrust & Whistleblowing," presented during CC SHRM's 10th Annual Fall Conference (on site or remote)
• Thursday, November 10th, "Employment Law, Legislative & Regulatory Update," presented for the members and guests of HRASM (Hughesville, MD)

ICYMI - October's Archived Webcasts

• *"The Four Legs of the ADA...." Rated "Excellent" overall by 100% of post-webcast survey respondents! 75 minutes, $25 pp
• "Substance Use, Abuse and Testing," 75 minutes, $25 pp

*Recorded event still provides the listed and pre-approved HRCI & SHRM credits.

This publication does not constitute the rendering of legal advice. Please consult your company's legal counsel for guidance on any matter.