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As US states begin to ease their shelter-in-place and lockdown orders, we are fast realizing, like other countries, that shutting down normal operations is much simpler than restarting them. Unlike sheltering in place, a return to public life is going to require significant resources and policies in place to curb potential for future outbreaks and ensure that workers and the public are safe when they go out.

On Monday night, May 4, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced his plan to re-open New York State once PAUSE expires on May 15th. The plan is meant to “determine which regions allow what sectors to reopen and when.” Get the details here.

Mounting research demonstrates that child care providers are facing a serious crisis, which will have long term implications for women’s rights and the workforce.

COVID-19 has exposed many of our society’s underlying problems. And with these concerns, a particular demographic has been disproportionately affected -- women.

“Immunity passports”? “Antibody certificates”? As countries around the world consider widespread antibody or immunity testing as a precondition for normal, non-distanced life, many raise the prospect of “second class citizenship” based on COVID-19 immunity.

After an avalanche of complaints regarding technical issues and the inability to reach representatives to complete Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) applications, the state has rolled out a new, streamlined application process for those eligible for PUA.

As coronavirus continues to rage throughout the world, many experts are starting to speculate on when and how to loosen federal, state and municipal restrictions on movement and business. “Contact tracing” is a critical piece of that puzzle.

Understanding workers’ compensation relating to COVID-19.

The hardest hit demographic during the coronavirus pandemic has been the world’s elderly population, but what can be missing from the reporting is the precarious employment of many domestic workers and senior caregivers whose work has been affected by the lockdowns. Domestic care workers are eligible for unemployment insurance in New York, and we encourage those who have been laid off to apply.

Watch this recorded presentation delivered by Associate Alex Berke to the Fordham Workers’ Rights Advocates on April 16, 2020. Alex discussed frequently asked COVID-19 legal questions.

Currently only some federal employees are legally entitled to hazard pay, but there are some proposals in Congress to change that.

Tradition is a hard thing to break, and in some industries, it is proving especially difficult during the coronavirus lockdown that is affecting most of the world. Even “Essential Businesses” in New York, which are allowed to remain open, should be utilizing remote work to the extent possible, and all businesses should be following safety precautions. If you feel unsafe at work, get in touch with us to understand your rights and options.