COVID-19
The Supreme Court Blocks OSHA’s ETS: Now What?
Now that the Supreme Court has blocked implementation of OSHA’s vaccinate-or-test rule for large employers with more than 100 employees, employers should review their policies and practices. We know that Covid cases continue to rise; therefore, employers must continue to be vigilant to protect the health and safety of their… Continue
Pennsylvania Adopts CDC Removal of Mask Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Business Update Part 9
On May 13, 2021, the CDC announced new guidelines rolling back the vast majority of its masking requirements for fully vaccinated individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. With few exceptions, the fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. In March 2021, Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam… Continue
FEMA Program to Reimburse Funeral Expenses for COVID Related Deaths
Effective April 12, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began accepting applications for its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program (“Program”). The Program provides critical financial relief to qualifying individuals who paid for funeral expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reimbursing Applicants up to $9,000 per qualifying funeral. Additionally, the Program… Continue
New COVID-19 Orders: Business Update Part 8
On November 17, 2020, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health (SOH) announced an update on the growing number of cases in Pennsylvania and amended certain provisions of the targeted mitigation order. Less than a week later, on November 23rd, the SOH and Governor Wolf announced sweeping changes to the prior regime of… Continue
Further Modifications to Green Phase Occupancy Limits: Business Update 7
In our last Business Update, we addressed the various differences between the Green, Yellow, and Red phases of Governor Wolf’s business shutdown orders, and what businesses should focus on when moving between phases. Since that update, we have seen the Governor issue a universal masking order expanding the masking requirements… Continue
Judge Rules Governor Wolf’s Shutdown Order Unconstitutional
On September 14, 2020, Federal District Judge, for the Western District of Pennsylvania, William S. Stickman IV ruled that several of Governor Tom Wolf’s emergency orders related to the coronavirus pandemic are unconstitutional. Judge Stickman’s holding marks the first Pennsylvania court, federal or state, to find such orders impermissible under… Continue
Changes to Pennsylvania’s Life-Sustaining Business Order: Business Update Part 5
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 18, 2020, Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine ordered all non-life sustaining businesses to cease in-person operations. On April 15, Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine ordered that when a business is performing any non-remote operations it must take certain health and safety measures… Continue
Pennsylvania Allows Local Governments To Conduct Public Meetings via Telecommunication
In light of COVID-19, local government units have been uncertain how to approach public meetings and hearings. While public health and safety precautions limit individuals’ ability to gather together, Pennsylvania’s public meeting laws and municipal codes require the opportunity for the public to participate in meetings. In the absence of… Continue
Coronavirus Tax Update – April 17, 2020
In the three weeks since the CARES Act was signed into law, there have been numerous administrative and regulatory developments regarding state and federal taxation. This article summarizes several of the key developments. IRS Developments Payroll Protection Program Loans. Businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors have been encouraged to apply… Continue
Business Interruption and COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to spread, many businesses have found themselves in uncharted territory, wondering how and if they will weather the storm. The impact of government-ordered shutdowns, loss of revenue, and disruptions to supply chains have left business leaders looking to their insurance policies for relief, specifically their Business Interruption… Continue