Many employers may be required to pay employees up to 80 hours of sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) that was recently signed by President Trump. This new law states that if an employee is subject to an “isolation” order, the employer must provide up to two-weeks (80 hours) of paid time off. Payment does not need to be made if the business is closed and there is no work for the employee. The employer must also provide paid time off for part-time workers in the average amount that the individual has worked over a two week period. 

The FFCRA also expands the Family and Medical Leave Act to require employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to an employee who is required to care for a child whose school has closed. The first 10 days are unpaid, but thereafter, the employer must pay two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay. 

There may be other options available for employers.