On March 18, 2020, Congress passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” which provides free COVID-19 testing, increases Medicaid funding, and expands food security initiatives and support for those impacted by the COVID-19 public emergency. The law also provides paid leave and enhances access to unemployment insurance for employees. The key provisions impacting employers are summarized below. Emergency Paid Sick Leave ActThe section of the law entitled “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act,” requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave for absences related to COVID-19 until December 31, 2020. Covered Employers: Defined as private employers with fewer than 500 employees and government… read more »