COVID-Related Paid Time Off
September 30th Sunset Date Fast Approaching  
Alert #59 - Published September 27, 2021
Federal FFCRA was a mandatory two weeks for employers with fewer than 500 employees in 2020, then voluntary from 1/1/2021 through 9/30/2021. TPO is not aware of any proposals for voluntarily or mandatory extension. Though, the much-awaited federal rules for the 100+ employer mandatory vaccination or “test-out” requirement will address paid time off requirements.

CA Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) is a mandatory two weeks for employers with more than 25 employees which started 3/29/2021, was retroactive to 1/1/2021, and then through 9/30/2021.
  • Any isolation/quarantine that starts before 9/30/2021 must be paid SPSL for up to the duration of the isolation/quarantine even if that extends beyond 9/30/2021.

  • The legislature did NOT pass an extension and since the legislative session is done for the year, any extension would have to be signed by Governor executive order – there is currently no word of this happening.

  • Covered employers should remove the required SPSL poster after 9/30/2021.
 
CA Local Jurisdictions may have their own paid time off requirements and employers are advised to check their local jurisdiction(s), with the following in effect at the time of this article:
 
  • Long Beach
  • Los Angeles City
  • Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas)
  • Marin County (unincorporated areas)
  • Oakland
  • San Mateo County (unincorporated areas)
  • Santa Rosa
  • Sonoma County (unincorporated areas)
 
What Now? Once the above paid time off benefits are exhausted, additional time off could be covered under regular CA Paid Sick Leave (PSL), Paid Time Off (PTO), any company voluntarily provided paid leave, or even vacation time off. 
Note from TPO: Continue to follow COVID protocol and remind employees to not come to work with COVID symptoms, during isolation, or during quarantine. 
As your TPO Team of Experts, we will keep you updated as important changes take place.
As members, give us a call or send us an email as part of your TPO membership.
Not a member? Give us a call we're here to help!
831.647.7292

All past TPO Covid-19 Alerts are available on the TPO Website