Published April 04, 2020 in BlogGeneral News
UPDATE
Governor Whitmer issues new Executive Order regarding employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, employees who are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or employees who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
On April 3, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-36, which declared it “the public policy of this state that an employer shall not discharge, discipline, or otherwise retaliate against an employee for staying home when he or she is at particular risk of infecting others with COVID-19.” This new Executive Order provides that all Michigan employers must allow their employees to stay home and use paid or unpaid leave if the employee who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, is showing symptoms of COVID-19, or has been in close contact with an individual who either has tested positive for or is showing symptoms of COVID-19. The Executive Order lists the “principal symptoms of COVID-19” as “fever, atypical cough, or atypical shortness of breath.”
Exempted from this Executive Order are certain classes of workers such as health care professionals, first responders, child protective services workers, and those working at a correctional facility.
This Executive Order takes effect immediately and continues until the end of the declared states of emergency and disaster.
Please do not hesitate to contact your Kotz Sangster attorney or Bethany Sweeny (bsweeny@kotzsangster.com) with any questions.
