Governor Walz issued an Executive Order providing that strict compliance with Minnesota’s unemployment laws be suspended and the availability of unemployment benefits be expanded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Order expands the universe of eligible employees to include persons who have temporarily or permanently lost their jobs, or...
Overview of Minnesota “Stay At Home” Executive Order
On March 25, 2020, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order directing Minnesotans to remain at home, work remotely if possible, and limit their outside activities to those that are essential. Notwithstanding the “Stay at Home” Order, individuals may leave their home for the following exempt activities:
Limited Waiver of HIPAA Sanctions in Response to COVID-19
As of March 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will not sanction or issue penalties against hospitals for failing to comply with certain provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Contract Performance in the Wake of COVID-19
With the COVID-19 pandemic, parties can expect contract rights, obligations, and remedies to be impacted. Individuals are being self-quarantined to prevent risk of exposure and facilities are being closed. As a result, parties are forced to determine whether they are obligated to perform under their contracts, or whether they can...
COVID-19: Your Employment Rights
Last week, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which will go into effect April 2, 2020 and expires December 31, 2020. The Act requires employers to provide paid Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and paid sick leave arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act applies to employers...