A: The new EEOC guidelines (and the old ADA rules according to H1N1) allow temperature testing. Based on certain conversations, companies (1) require a medical certificate and (2) disinfect the facility after a person has tested positive or comes into close contact with a person who has tested positive. All employees who have been in close contact are asked to quarantine. A: If you are not sure which mask your company needs or how to wear it properly, this explanation for Which mask for which task? (from Labor & Industries) and this Do`s and Don`ts Guide to Wearing Face Masks and this Guide to Masks for Business from the Department of Health will help. Does your business need help procuring face masks or other PPE to reopen safely? We`ve made it easy for you to connect with Washington manufacturers through our PPE Connect portal. Enter your business requirements and quickly align with a local source. A: AWB has a website to help businesses reopen safely. www.ReboundandRecovery.org has a PPE Connect portal to connect companies that need PPE with Washington manufacturers who make these supplies. It also has a free downloadable business toolkit that can be customized to suit your situation. For industry-specific guides, HR and security guides, and more, visit this page for additional links. A: Information on emergency shelter and guidelines for beneficiaries in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is available on the Washington State Department of Commerce website here: www.commerce.wa.gov/covid-19-homeless-services/. A: If you lay off employees due to a permanent shutdown, they can apply for unemployment benefits.

The Department of Employment Security decides on a case-by-case basis. Redundancy assistance may be available for companies facing significant redundancies. Click here for more information on ESD discharge aid. COVID safety plans help businesses actively mitigate COVID-19 risks in accordance with the best available health recommendations. The governor`s advice for specific companies can be found at this link. A: If your organization is on track to reopen safely, please read this comprehensive guide and find details on security practices for critical infrastructure employees. There are also guidelines and tips to help businesses and workplaces plan, prepare for and respond to Covid-19. While they are not mandatory for businesses, they are still encouraged so that businesses can do their part to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 and protect their employees and customers. More information will soon be available for businesses looking to update their COVID safety plan in line with basic social and public health measures. Note: According to federal guidelines, it is fraudulent to leave one`s job without a valid reason in order to receive unemployment benefits. Visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website for a complete list of resources on educating employers about anti-discrimination.

For additional links to legal, health resources, visit AWB`s Rebound and Recovery resource page. A: The Administration of the Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Service (SAMHSA) has a fact sheet on managing stress caused by infectious disease outbreaks, a disaster hotline, a toolkit on best practices in mental health crisis care, and even a fact sheet with strategies to help children manage stress. A: The Paycheque Protection Program (RAP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for loan relief. There are additional requirements for workers in high-risk environments who are COVID-19 cases or close contacts. See below for high-risk environments and general workspaces. A: The official state coronavirus website contains state-approved signage in this large collection of free printable posters and weaving art. There are many protections for workers in Washington. State law requires employers to create a safe and healthy workplace and protects workers against whom retaliation is taken. Unemployment insurance protects those who lose their jobs and are unemployed, and workers` compensation insurance helps workers injured on the job. A: SharedWork is a voluntary sustainability program for companies that offers the flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours. This short video explains it well.

To learn more and apply, click here. If an employee develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (such as fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste and/or smell), they should: A: The Centers for Disease Control also has these contract tracking resources. For an application to be accepted, there must be documented or probable work-related exposure and an employee-employer relationship. Workers who refuse to perform hazardous work can be protected from discrimination under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), which is administered by L&I. A: The Department of Job Security has this excellent eligibility checker on their website. A: Yes, the CARES Act expands unemployment benefits to cover more workers, including freelancers and independent contractors such as gig workers and Uber drivers, who are not normally eligible for unemployment. Workers are encouraged to engage employers directly to address workplace safety concerns. There are two ways to report potential safety breaches: employers must implement a social distancing plan, perform frequent cleaning and disinfection, and ensure frequent and proper hand washing. Companies deemed essential will only act if these workplace safety measures are established and implemented in accordance with the following guidelines: A: The Department of Job Security takes fraudulent claims very seriously.

Fraudsters use information stolen from previous data breaches (e.g., an Equifax data breach a few years ago) to make claims. To learn more and report fraud attempts, click here. Need ideas on how to shoot? Check out this page, which is filled with stories of Washington manufacturers helping to make PPE. A: Temporary layoffs occur when employers lay off employees due to staff cuts. Employers do not have to rehire these employees. Leave is a form of temporary dismissal, which may consist of a complete stoppage of work or a reduction in working hours for a certain period. For example, a reduction of one day per week for a year. A: You can also view a full set of research and reports here.

Q: I am concerned about data security breach in case of unemployment? Where can I find more information? Check out the HealthyWA website for the latest tips on what to do if you`re a close contact. A: Go to the Office of the State Auditor`s data breach information page. Employees who face reprisal for filing a complaint or raising safety concerns with their employer can file complaints on the L&I website. A: Many small community banks and credit unions accept applications from new customers. A: Labor & Industries recently released updated guidelines for wearing masks in the workplace. A: The U.S. Department of State`s travel advice is updated regularly.