November 23 Tip of the Week

With COVID-19 cases steadily on the rise in most states, public health experts are urging people not to travel for the holidays and to limit celebrations to only those in your immediate household.  So how can an employer handle a situation where an employee flouts expert guidance and attends a large Thanksgiving celebration or travels to be with friends or family?  Even if you are in a state that protects legal off-duty conduct, employees who violate state orders regarding limits on gathering sizes, mask protocols and more are likely not protected.  Further, employers have a duty to protect their employees, vendors, customers and clients from exposure to the virus, so establishing some ground rules about holiday travel now is recommended.  At a minimum, employers should require employees give notice if they have traveled for the holiday, require a period of quarantine or teleworking, and possibly consider requiring post-travel COVID-19 testing.  If you have questions about a particular situation with an employee or want help drafting a legally compliant policy, let our attorneys at myHRcounsel know.  Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, regardless of how you choose to celebrate this year.