Urgent Updates
Has anyone developed simplified guidance on the process for
seeking FEMA reimbursement for Coronavirus expenses?
Yes, the law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta prepared a
memo outlining the
process. The memo provides an excellent summary of the FEMA reimbursement
process.
Further Updates
Has the federal government released funding information for any
of the city-related programs funded by the CARES Act?
Yes. Several federal agencies have released CARES Act
allocations for certain programs. These include the following city-related
programs:
-The Federal Transit Administration apportionments for the $25
billion of transit funding can be found here. Included are the
exact amounts allocated to Texas cities over 50,000 in population as part of
the urbanized area apportionments. The information also shows Texas receiving
over $143 million in rural area apportionment.
-Local governments that were eligible for Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grants in fiscal year 2019 are also eligible for funding
under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program solicitation. The
listing of Texas jurisdictions eligible for this funding can be found here. More information
about the program and application requirements can be found in this U.S.
Department of Justice guidance.
-Funding allocations for the additional amounts dedicated under
the CARES Act to the Community Development Block Grant program and homelessness
assistance grants available through the Emergency Solutions Grant program can
be found here.
Has the Department of Labor issued additional guidance on the
implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?
Following its publication of a final rule implementing the
FFCRA, the Department issued, on Friday April 3, additional guidance (questions
60-79) that provides - among others - answers to the following questions: (1)
what is a “place of care” and a “child care provider; (2) can an employee take
paid emergency sick leave to care for someone else’s child; (3) how to
calculate the pay for seasonal employees with irregular schedules; and (4) how
the FFCRA interplays with workers’ compensation and short-term
disability.
Additionally, the Department has prepared a webinar that can be
accessed here (also see webinar slides) which
provides a general overview of the FFCRA.
Has the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance
on the interaction between the Americans with Disabilities Act and COVID-19?
Yes. The EEOC recently updated its guidance on pandemic
preparedness in the workplace and the ADA to address its application to
COVID-19. The guidance addresses, among other things, the following questions:
-How much information may an employer request from an employee
who calls in sick, in order to protect the rest of its workforce during the
COVID-19 pandemic?
-When may an ADA-covered employer take the body temperature of
employees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
-Does the ADA allow employers to require employees to stay home
if they have symptoms of the COVID-19?
-When employees return to work, does the ADA allow employers to
require doctors' notes certifying their fitness for duty?
-If an employer is hiring, may it screen applicants for symptoms
of COVID-19?
-May an employer take an applicant's temperature as part of a
post-offer, pre-employment medical exam?
-May an employer delay the start date of an applicant who has
COVID-19 or symptoms associated with it?
-May an employer withdraw a job offer when it needs the
applicant to start immediately but the individual has COVID-19 or symptoms of
it?
Has the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) reached out to
state municipal leagues for assistance in fighting the Coronavirus?
Yes, NYCOM sent the following request this morning:
As you know, New York City is the epicenter of the COVID-19
crisis. They have an urgent need for personnel, ventilators, and
PPE and are asking for our help to spread the word on how fellow
local governments, states, and individuals from across the country can support
New York City.
Please widely share this information on how to help
New York City. Visit HelpNowNYC to donate
or volunteer and COVID Suppliers for
companies looking to sell medical supplies (e.g., gowns, masks, ventilators,
face shields).
Thank you for considering this request. I certainly understand
that for some of you, medical supplies in your states/municipalities are in
very limited supply right now, and you may not be able to even consider this
request. Either way, thanks to all of you for your efforts to support your
local governments in the fight against this borderless killer. And rest
assured, New York City and all of New York will be there for your
municipalities and state in their time of need.
Peter A. Baynes
NYCOM Executive Director
Where can I find archived issues of the TML Coronavirus Updates?
TML Coronavirus Updates are archived by date here and by subject here.