Category: COVID-19

COVID-19, Cybersecurity, Regulatory

Contact Tracing: COVID-19

Written by Susan Kohn Ross and Timothy Carter

As the individual states struggle to define how best to reopen in a manner that minimizes the renewed spread of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19, the subject of contact tracing has become a major focus. To aid in this effort, Apple and Google announced late last week a joint contact tracing project that would leverage Bluetooth technology to identify and selectively alert individuals who have been in close proximity to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Once alerted, that user could self-isolate or seek testing. Individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 can self-report their diagnosis, and any users who have been in recent contact with that individual will receive a notification. Public health agencies would be responsible for checking and verifying test results provided by users in order to prevent spoofing or fabrication. Continue reading “Contact Tracing: COVID-19”

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COVID-19, Immigration

Employer Expectations in COVID Conditions

Written by Frida P. Glucoft

Employers should beware: even during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain employer compliance and obligations continue and others are created.

NOTICE: if your work force is working from home and you have any individuals in H1B or E3 status, there are postings and notice requirements. There are technical rules which must be followed and documents to retain for the future when we return to the worksite.

TRAVEL BAN: the travel ban for entry to the USA from abroad remains in effect. The exception is for US citizens and lawful permanent residents and their families. In addition, many countries around the globe do not permit anyone but nationals of their own countries to enter.

Be sure your employees do not make travel arrangements without advising you well in advance. Continue reading “Employer Expectations in COVID Conditions”

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COVID-19, Labor & Employment

LA Takeaways

Los Angeles Provides Guidance on Emergency Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

Written by Jeremy Mittman and Stephen Franz

On April 11, 2020, the City of Los Angeles published Rules and Regulations interpreting the City’s Emergency Ordinance (“the Ordinance”), which mandates employers of either (a) 500 or more employees within the City of Los Angeles; or (b) 2,000 or more employees within the United States, to offer supplemental paid sick leave for COVID-19 related reasons.

Here are the top 5 new takeaways for employers interpreting the Ordinance from the Rules and Regulations:

Continue reading “LA Takeaways”

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COVID-19

ERC vs. PPP

Written by Robert Lowe

If you didn’t get a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan before the SBA ran out of funds, there are still other benefits available under the CARES Act that was recently passed by Congress.

The CARES Act also provides for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) which is a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the qualified wages paid to employees up to $5,000 per employee.   If you get a PPP loan, one big negative consequence is that you cannot claim the ERC.   So each business needs to make a determination of whether it’s better off with a PPP loan or ERC.   This is a complicated decision which will vary from business to business. Continue reading “ERC vs. PPP”

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COVID-19, Tax

COVID-19 Tax Relief

Written by Jeffrey Davine

COVID-19 Related Legislation

As has been widely publicized, the federal government has enacted legislation that is  designed to provide tax and other relief to employers as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.  The tax relief is principally in the form of tax credits for payroll taxes that an employer is required to remit to the IRS when paying wages to its employees.

One of the laws enacted is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act).  The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27th.  It provides for a refundable payroll tax credit for employers whose businesses have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus.

Another statute enacted is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”).  It was signed into law on March 18th.  The FFCRA provides small and midsize employers with refundable payroll tax credits to reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages/salary to employees for an absence that is related to COVID-19.

The relief that is provided by both of these laws applies to both for-profit and nonprofit entities. Continue reading “COVID-19 Tax Relief”

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COVID-19, Shelter in Place

COVID-19 Client Communication, Vol. 9

As COVID-19 continues to affect various policies and laws, our COVID-19 response team remains committed to providing you with the latest updates. Below please find our latest alerts. Feel free to read and share, and contact us if there is anything we can do to help you or your business maintain compliance in this ever-evolving situation. Continue reading “COVID-19 Client Communication, Vol. 9”

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COVID-19

Public Spaces = Covered Faces, Part 2

Written by Susan Kohn Ross

City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued an order stating that all workers who are deemed exempt by virtue of their services must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths. These face coverings are to be just that, not medical grade, but rather scarves, bandanas and similar coverings. Any which are reusable are to be washed frequently, at least once a day. If single use, they must be properly discarded. Continue reading “Public Spaces = Covered Faces, Part 2”

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COVID-19, Estate Planning, Trusts & Estates

Estate Planning in the Time of COVID-19

Written by Rachel Ronca and Seth W. Krasilovsky

Preparing and properly executing estate planning documents requires much care and consideration under “normal” circumstances.  The COVID-19 pandemic, with its attendant shelter-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, has made the estate planning process a logistically complicated necessity.  Under the California Probate Code, the execution of estate planning documents requires a combination of notarization and witnessing.  How can this be accomplished when non‑essential businesses are closed or working off‑site, and people are increasingly cautious of interactions outside of their homes?  The Trusts & Estates department at MSK is prepared to assist you through the preparation and execution of your estate planning documents, allowing you peace of mind in these uncertain and difficult times. Continue reading “Estate Planning in the Time of COVID-19”

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COVID-19, Tax

Charitable Contributions Show You CARE

CARES Act Tax Benefits for Charitable Contributions

Written by David Wheeler Newman

The CAREs Act – the recently enacted gigantic economic stimulus bill – contains two provisions designed to boost charitable giving with enhanced tax benefits.  One provision will provide tax savings to donors making more modest gifts, while the other will benefit donors writing big checks. Continue reading “Charitable Contributions Show You CARE”

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