Covid-19 Article Resources

On Behalf of Odin, Feldman & Pittleman, P.C. | Mar 27, 2020 | Business law, COVID-19, Featured

Webinar: Legal Issues with Bringing Employees Back to the office During the COVID-19 Era

Do you know the legal implications of bringing your employees back to the office?

  • Should employees be asked to waive liability to return to work?
  • Can employers require an employee get the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to work?
  • What should an employer do if an employee claims they cannot come in to work for medical reasons?
  • What are employers required to do if an employee reports to work sick with COVID-19?

Click here to learn more.

Trump Signs Bill Authorizing New Funds for PPP, Loan Forgiveness, Tax Deductions

President Donald Trump signed into law a $900 billion relief and stimulus package which notably will provide some welcome relief to a broad cross section of consumers, earmarks an additional $284 billion in funding to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an additional $13.5 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), as well as adding tax deductions for forgiven PPP loans.

Click here to learn more.

Virginia’s New Workplace Safety Standards

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Virginia’s Safety and Health Codes Board has adopted emergency temporary standards governing occupational health and safety (“Standards”) that will affect Virginia’s healthcare providers.
Click here to learn more.

Virginia is the First State to Implement Workplace Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19

All Virginia employers should be aware that the state’s Safety and Health Codes Board has adopted emergency temporary standards for occupational health and safety requirements in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Click here to learn more.

SBA Issues PPP Guidance Affecting M&A Transactions

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was established by the federal government under the CARES Act earlier this year, has benefited some 700,000 businesses feeling the economic pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As M&A activity starts to pick up, buyers and sellers need to be aware of new guidance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding changes in ownership.  The inclusion of a PPP loan in an M&A transaction necessitates additional diligence and tailored discussions between the parties to ensure the transaction is appropriately structured and can close when desired by the parties.

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COVID-19 and Commercial Leasing, Part I: Practical Advice for Landlords

Although Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC are not yet ready to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions, business leaders are preparing now.  What can landlords and tenants do today to survive a challenging second quarter, prepare for reopening, and emerge strong for the rest of 2020?  In Part I of OFP’s COVID-19 Commercial Leasing Playbook, we focus on steps that landlords should be considering as they work together with all stakeholders to document a realistic short-term plan and remain flexible in the coming months. Click here to learn more.

  • Apply NOW: Congress Replenishes the Paycheck Protection Program

    Following approval last evening by the House of Representatives and signature earlier today by the President, Congress has green-lighted an additional $310 billion for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a provision under the CARES Act designed to assist
    small businesses that have been economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Response to COVID 19: GSA’s Waiver of BAA and TAA for Personal Protective Equipment Supplies

    On April 3, 2020, GSA applied a class-wide waiver of the Buy America Act (BAA) and the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) for the acquisition of personal protective equipment.

    NEW UPDATE – SBA Issues Interim Final Rule for the Paycheck Protection Program

    Last night, April 2, the SBA issued an Interim Final Rule for the Paycheck Protection Program. You can find the Interim Rule here. These rules are not final but do contain multiple changes and interpretations of the Act that will affect the loan amount,
    potential repayments, among other items. In particular, the SBA is now stating the interest rate on the loans will be 1% (rather than .5%) and the term will be 24 months.

    NEW DOD GUIDANCE ENCOURAGING FOR DEFENSE CONTRACTORS

    On the heels of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memorandum encouraging agencies to consider requests for equitable adjustment (REAs) for increased costs related to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) issued a similar memorandum
    for defense agencies on March 30, 2020.

    Paycheck Protection Program Under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”)

    As has been well publicized, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is a $2 trillion economic relief package enacted to help individuals and businesses in the United States weather the severe financial impact of the COVID-19
    pandemic. A key feature of the CARES Act is the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), where the federal government will be allocating $349 billion to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee loans to small businesses.
    Loans will be administered pursuant to SBA’s section 7(a) loan program.

    US Department of Labor – Paid Sick Leave Provisions

    The US Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a notice that covered employers are required to share regarding the recently passed paid sick leave provisions. At present, the DOL is soliciting questions from employers and employees as the agency prepares to
    draft enabling regulations to address how to implement these paid-leave provisions.  As shown by this solicitation for comments and questions, there are many open questions about how an employer is to respond to requests for coverage.
    Learn more here.

    Covid-19 Business Checklist

    COVID-19 is creating unprecedented business disruptions around the globe, and it is important to take this situation seriously. Acting with urgency is crucial, but having a plan of attach will mitigate confusion down the road.  Webinar: Legal Issues with Bringing Employees Back to the office During the COVID-19 Era

    Is your work or business considered “essential”?

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and other agencies have issued guidance on industries and workers “essential” to critical infrastructure.  They recommend these businesses remain open and prioritized for continuous operations.

    NEW OMB GUIDANCE ENCOURAGING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS

    In an attempt to mitigate the unfolding COVID-19 public health emergency, state and local governments have started issuing “lockdown” or “stay-at-home” orders. Generally, the state lockdown orders have directed that all businesses utilize telecommuting
    or work-from-home procedures to the maximum extent practicable. Where telework is impractical, some states are only permitting essential businesses to remain open. Companies with operations in these jurisdictions must understand the scope
    of applicable restrictions and whether their operations are essential and should continue during the lockdown.

    Update for Employers – Families First Coronavirus Response Act Now Law

    On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law and will become effective not later than 15 days later, April 2, 2020.  There are some differences between what was ultimately passed and what was summarized in our early
    article from March 16, 2020. Learn more from attorney Marina Blickley.

    Covid-19 & Federal Contract Suspensions

    Construction and many other contractors who cannot telework may be receiving stop-work orders or facing other unique challenges on their government contracts in the face of COVID-19.  Impacts may be exacerbated for personnel working in the field who may
    not be receiving guidance from the government due to unavailability of their Contracting Officers (CO) or Contracting Officer Representatives (COR).

    COVID-19 & Gaining Control Over Your Business Finances

    As the coronavirus shifts the way the world works, businesses should take this break in normal operating procedure to re-evaluate their finances. Learn more from attorney Brad Jones.

    IRS Extends Tax Payment Deadline

    Businesses and individuals now will have until July 15 to file and pay their taxes. This means that you have an additional three months to plan and prepare your returns without having to incurring penalties or interest on up to $1 million in tax owed.
    Businesses will have the same time period to pay amounts due on up to $10 million in tax owed.
    Learn more from attorney Catherine Schott Murray.

    Disclaimer: The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. This information contained herein is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Any information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for legal counsel. No one should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article but should instead seek the appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a properly licensed attorney. The author expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this article. This article contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments.