The challenges workers and their families face during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic slowdown has not been lost on Congress. To assist unemployed and furloughed workers while the economy reels from mandated business closures and the uncertainty of the public health crisis, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act” or “Act”). The CARES Act, in part, provides additional financial support to workers for up to 39 weeks between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Importantly, this support supplements rather than replaces unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits and other aid provided by states.
 
Read the emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits here:
CARES Act UI Benefits + CA UI Qualifications

On March 27, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council (“City Council”) passed an ordinance requiring employers with more than 500 employees nationally to provide supplemental sick leave to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Ordinance”).
 
After lengthy debate, the City Council sought to fill what it perceived was a gap in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA” click here for more on the FFCRA), by requiring that 10 days (80 hours) of supplemental paid sick leave be provided to employees who work for larger employers.
 
Read the full details here:
LA City Council Paid Sick Leave

CARES Act ArticleCongress has recognized the extreme strain the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn has placed on small businesses. On March 27, 2020, Congress passed and President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or “Act”) to boost the economy and help small businesses bridge the gap during the pandemic. The CARES Act assists small businesses in three main ways:
(1) “Paycheck Protection Program” loans to pay and retain workers; (2) Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) and grants; and (3) partial loan forgiveness and subsidies.

Read how the CARES Act assists small businesses:
CARES Act Article

In just a few short weeks, the global COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the landscape of corporate operations in California, and in the country as a whole. In light of ongoing state, county, and city ‘stay at home’ orders and restrictions on non-essential businesses, many businesses have been forced to scale back, or even cease operations entirely. In the face of such measures, business owners and corporate boards must be vigilant in upholding their corporate duties, guarding against potential future liability, and protecting the interests of partners, shareholders, and investors.
 
Read the full update here:
Covid Corporate Reporting

In light of the State of California’s ‘shelter in place’ order, local ‘shelter in place’ orders, the California Department of Public Health’s guidance, and the federally declared national emergency, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the “ABC”) has promulgated a notice that eases regulations on the sale of alcohol to support California restaurants and businesses. Restaurants and businesses can now take advantage of the relaxed regulations to help boost sales while customers are unable to congregate on premises.
 
Read the details here:
California Restaurants Can Now Sell Alcohol To Go and Via Delivery

On Tuesday, March 24, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the effective date of the leaves available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will be April 1, 2020.
 
Read the full alert here:
Federal Law Alert

While one’s first concern in this time of global pandemic is naturally to protect the health and well-being of our families, friends and colleagues, the reality is that businesses are also susceptible to serious consequences resulting from the pandemic. No doubt client fear and uncertainty may contribute to a downturn in business in these trying times, and many businesses have planned and prepared for such contingencies. However, what is a business owner to do when faced with a government order mandating severe restrictions–or even closure–of the business? One potential avenue for protection may be to seek insurance coverage for the losses sustained.
 
Read here to learn the steps to file your claim:
Business Interruption Insurance in the Age of COVID-19 and the Steps You Should Take to File Your Claim

On March 19, 2020, the State of California released Executive Order N-33-20 (the “State’s Order”). For residents of many counties in California, the State’s Order only reinforced restrictions already in place. For others, the State’s Order meant they were now subject to restrictions forcing businesses to close and individuals to shelter at home into the foreseeable future.
 
Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the various shelter in place orders:
Coronavirus Article- FAQs on California’s Shelter In Place Orders

Californians, all 40 million of us, have been ordered to shelter at home and all non-essential business operations have been ordered to close. For many businesses, that means sending employees to work from home. While working from home allows businesses to continue to operate during the government mandated shutdown period, working from home can create a host of other challenges for both employees and employers.
 
Click here to read the steps employers must take:
Create an Effective Work from Home Work Environment