Construction Law

5 Common Questions Employers Have About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act featured image

5 Common Questions Employers Have About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Effective on April 1, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires employers to provide their workforce with paid sick leave for several qualified reasons related to COVID-19. In this article, a Naples contractor lawyer will answer a few common questions employers have about this new act. To learn more about paid leave entitlements, who’s eligible, and your responsibilities under the FFRCA, consult a COVID-19 construction attorney.

1) When is an employee eligible for leave under the FFCRA? 

Certain public sector employees and employees of private companies with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for up to two weeks (80 hours total) paid leave for COVID-19 related reasons. Employees that have been employed for a minimum of 30 days prior to their leave request may be eligible for up to 10 weeks of partially paid leave. 

Related: Learn More About the FFCRA From a Construction Law Tax Attorney

2) What are qualifying reasons for leave under the FFRCA?

An employee can take qualified leave related to COVID-19:

  • If they are subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine order
  • If they are advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine
  • If they experience COVID-19 related symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis 
  • If they are caring for an individual that is self-quarantined
  • If they are caring for a son or daughter whose school or place of care was closed because of COVID-19 
  • If they are experiencing any other substantially similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 

3) How much is an employee entitled to under FFCRA leave?

Qualified employees under the FFCRA are entitled to up to 80 hours of paid compensation. Employees experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 or ordered to self-quarantine are paid 100 percent of their salary (up to $511 daily). Employees caring for a sick individual can receive two-thirds their regular pay rate (up to $200 daily). Employees caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed will earn two-thirds their salary (up to $200 daily) and can take up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave. 

Related: Pay Close Attention to Your Employee Handbook

4) Is an employee eligible for FFCRA protected from taking leave to avoid infection of COVID-19? 

As far as medical eligibility requirements go that are covered by FFRCA leave, an employee that is fearful of being infected by COVID-19 is not protected from taking leave. Although it’s understandable that an employee may be fearful of infection, they do not qualify for paid leave to potentially avoid exposure.  

5) Are part-time employees qualified for leave?

Part-time employees do qualify for FFCRA leave; however, they are only eligible for paid leave that aligns with the number of hours they are normally scheduled to work over that time period. 

To learn more about the FFCRA and how this new act may impact your business, consult a Naples contractor attorney.

If you would like to speak with a COVID-19 construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.