Relevant information related to COVID-19 and the Workplace
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Updated December 8, 2020
The spread of the Coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19) is worrisome for employers and employees alike. It is challenging for employees to put this all into perspective, especially during a time when they are still working (perhaps remotely) and trying to keep their loved ones and families safe. It is important to us that we support employers and their work families during this unprecedent time by circulating clear and accurate information in an effort to help dissolve fears and promote an empathetic work culture.
This page offers many tools and resources to assist you within your organizations. We will continue to post relevant information related to COVID-19 and the Workplace when it becomes available.
COVID-19 HR Toolkit
A complete guide for employers to prepare your business so that your employees and their families are safe. We’ve outlined strategies for you to consider and included several customizable templates for you to download and use in your business.
Tools & Resources
HR Compliance
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Signed March 18, 2020 - This Act requires paid leave benefits related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Employee Letter Template
Use this template to effectively communicate about coronavirus to your employees.
Michigan Unemployment
Learn how to apply for unemployment benefits during coronavirus crisis.
Employment Law Firms
* This content is reposted with permission from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP. This information is not intended as legal advice. For additional information, you may contact Jonathan Kok, Partner at Warner Norcross + Judd: jkok@wnj.com
DOL Guidance
Guidance on the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act directly from the Department of Labor.
Leave Request Templates
Download and use these as templates for your own leave request forms and policy.
Covid-19 And Your Workplace Checklist
Download and use this checklist to keep your employees
and their families safe by properly preparing your workplace.
Carrier Guidelines
Select your insurance carrier below to learn what specific actions they are taking.
CDC Facts & Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Business Interruption Insurance Provide Coverage for Coronavirus Losses?
What is Business Interuption Insurance? This coverage is designed to protect a business in the event of an interruption in operations caused by a physical damage that results in financial loss. Business income requires a covered cause of loss that results in direct physical damage to the covered property. Without a direct physical loss, business interruption coverage will not be triggered. In addition, many policies exclude Loss Due To Virus or Bacteria.
We believe insurance companies will deny claims for loss of income caused by the financial impacts COVID-19 has on businesses based on the lack of covered physical damage and also the virus exclusion. Historically, an event like COVID-19 has not been considered physical damage by insurance companies or the courts. Regardless, if you think your business has suffered financial loss due to COVID -19, we want to turn in the claim on your behalf. We want the insurance company to make the decision. Our belief is they will deny the claim; however, we want to be on record of having made a claim should the courts later decide there is coverage.
What About Workers' Compensation?
For exposure to coronavirus to be compensable, the exposure must both arise out of the workers’ employment AND be in the course and scope of their employment when the exposure took place. An example that meets these criteria is a healthcare worker that is exposed to the coronavirus by one of their patients that is carrying the virus.
Do I Need To Pay Workers' Compensation Premiums On Wages For Furloughed Workers?
No. The Michigan Workers Compensation Bureau just announced that Employers will not pay Work Comp premiums on wages for furloughed workers. These wages will be “excluded” at audit time.
You will need to keep track of these wages separate from your normal wages paid and present these to the Work Comp auditor. Please see page 2 of the PDF below for additional information.
Will My General Liability Cover Me?
General liability claims will need a thorough case-by-case review. Some carriers exclude coverage for communicable disease.
Is There Increased Cyber Security Risk With A Remote Workforce?
With so much of the workforce working remotely, we have seen an increase in cyber criminals using COVID-19 in phishing emails. It’s especially important to remind staff members to use reliable sources of information when interacting online.
This insurance summary of COVID-19 is intended for informational purposes only. All coverage decisions require an analysis of the claim’s unique facts against the specific terms of the policy and must be looked at on a case-by-case basis.