On March 19, 2020, the State of California released Executive Order N-33-20 (the “State’s Order”). For residents of many counties in California, the State’s Order only reinforced restrictions already in place. For others, the State’s Order meant they were now subject to restrictions forcing businesses to close and individuals to shelter at home into the foreseeable future.
 
Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the various shelter in place orders:
Coronavirus Article- FAQs on California’s Shelter In Place Orders

Californians, all 40 million of us, have been ordered to shelter at home and all non-essential business operations have been ordered to close. For many businesses, that means sending employees to work from home. While working from home allows businesses to continue to operate during the government mandated shutdown period, working from home can create a host of other challenges for both employees and employers.
 
Click here to read the steps employers must take:
Create an Effective Work from Home Work Environment

Governor Newsom has issued executive order N-31-20 reducing employers’ notice responsibilities during a layoff. Current law requires employers in California that operate a “covered establishment” (any industrial or commercial facility that employs, or has employed within the preceding 12 months, 75 or more persons) to give early notice of a “mass layoff.” Namely, both the federal WARN Act and the California WARN Act require at least 60 days’ notice of mass layoffs, relocations, or terminations.
 
Read more on what employers need to know here:
Coronavirus Article-Employers temporarily relieved of Cal WARN requirements
 
Read California Governor’s Executive Order here:
CA EO WARN 03-17-20

On March 18, 2020 the United States Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and President Trump signed it into law that day.
 
Read the primer for employers here:
THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT. A PRIMER FOR EMPLOYERS.

During this coronavirus pandemic, the new normal will be working remotely from home.
 
Click here to review the important checklist for employees working from home:
Employer Alert. Checklist for Your Work from Home Employees

Effective March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order directing all individuals living in California to stay at home or at their place of residence, except as to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructures. This Order is in effect until further notice.
 
Read the memo here to understand the Governor’s Order: CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c

The Maloney Firm is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation surrounding businesses and COVID-19. Law and policy continue to develop as fast as possible. The information contained herein is subject to change.
 
The SBA was created “as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.” Under the authority of the Small Business Act, the SBA provides access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocates on behalf of small businesses.
 
Click here to read general advice for small business owners under the Small Business Association’s (SBA) current rules:
SBA Assistance to Small Business Under the Current Rules

 
The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to change daily. Patrick Maloney and Gregory Smith provide an update and information to help support California employers.
 
Click here to review the presentation: Covid-19 3.18

The Coronavirus pandemic requires employers to address a host of new issues and challenges. Given the coverage of the coronavirus in the news, we will jump right to the issues impacting California employers.

 
Click here to review The Maloney Firm’s Best Practices and Resources for Employers.