On April 16, 2020, the White House rolled out a series of guidelines for relaxing social-distancing measures imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Signaling a potential return to normalcy for many Americans, especially those under quarantine, the guidelines provide a road map for states to reopen businesses and allow employees to return to work.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
On April 14, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released an additional interim final rule applicable to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The interim final rule covers eligibility criteria for self-employed individuals and partnerships, as well as clarifications for businesses affiliated with a PPP lender and businesses operating in the legal gaming industry. However, many of the concepts addressed in the interim final rule are also applicable to all loan applicants and the use of PPP loans in general. Note: Although the PPP funds have run out, Congress is discussing adding more money.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
In a March 17 Alert, we reported that Virginia’s General Assembly had sent Governor Ralph Northam two bills (Senate Bill 36 and House Bill 896), which, if signed, would permit five land-based casinos, online sports betting and up to 2,000 additional historical horse racing machines in the commonwealth. On the April 11 deadline to take action on the bills, Governor Northam returned them, each unsigned, to the Virginia legislature with amendments. While the governor’s proposed changes to the two bills appear minor (for example, they did not change tax rates, minimum capital expenditure requirements or the types of games), a new proposal would further expand gaming in Virginia, at least temporarily, by permitting and taxing skill-based machines in bars, convenience stores and truck stops to raise money for a COVID-19 relief fund.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
On April 15, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order requiring Marylanders to wear face coverings under certain circumstances, including when using public transportation and when inside of foodservice and/or retail establishments. The order also requires retail establishments to post signage concerning the face covering requirement and to take other physical distancing measures. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the order will be charged with a misdemeanor, subject to imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
Legislators continue their efforts to address the enormous cost of business continuity losses. Most recently, Representative Mike Thompson of California, introduced H.R.6494, labeled the “Business Interruption Insurance Coverage Act of 2020”.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris attorney Daniel Heidtke, please visit the Duane Morris Insurance Law Blog.
In an April 3, 2020 letter, Florida’s largest advocacy group for long-term care providers, Florida Health Care Association, asked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to extend sovereign immunity to heath care providers and health care facilities engaged in and responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The letter requests liability immunity (both criminal and civil) for any harm or damages alleged to have been sustained as a result of an act or omission in the course of arranging for or providing health care services in accordance with COVID-19’s emergency rule and state directives. Additionally, the letter requests immunity for the health care facility or health care professional if they are arranging for, or providing health care services, in good faith.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris attorney Brittany Wakim, please visit the Duane Morris Products Liability Blog.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) has significantly outpaced the capabilities of the traditional supply chain. Gowns, gloves, facemasks, and face shields are valued commodities that even many healthcare providers cannot secure in this environment. While traditional supply and manufacturing chains struggle to keep up with production, industry leaders have turned to 3D printing, or additive manufacturing technology, to address this dire need. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, companies with already established additive manufacturing technologies can more readily and efficiently adapt their productions to manufacture such PPE. 3D printing manufacturers may already have the powder or fabric necessary to manufacture PPE. They also have versatile printers. These companies simply need software and product design specifications, which allows them to begin production much more quickly than companies relying on traditional manufacturing methods that require additional raw materials and even machines and equipment.
For example, Superfeet, a shoe insert manufacturer, which typically uses 3D printing for manufacturing its products, was contacted about its ability to assist with a shortage of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) hoods to hospitals in Washington state. The company had printers and fabric already. In just a few short days, Superfeet was making PPE.
To read the full text of the article by Duane Morris , visit the MD+DI website.
Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Senate Bill 2304 (S2304), expanding leave rights and benefits available to workers under New Jersey’s Earned Sick Leave Law, Family Leave Act, Temporary Disability Benefits Law and Family Leave Insurance Program for absences attributed to COVID-19. This law took effect immediately as of March 25, 2020.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
On April 13, 2020, the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division issued a joint statement warning companies that both agencies will vigorously protect competition for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic―including doctors, nurses, first responders and those who work in grocery stores, pharmacies and warehouses, among other essential service providers. The statement acknowledged that the current health crisis may require unprecedented cooperation among government, businesses and individuals, and that there are many permissible ways that firms can engage in procompetitive collaboration. But the agencies made clear that “COVID-19 does not provide a reason to tolerate anticompetitive conduct that harms workers.”
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
As a result of COVID-19 and the prescribed “circuit breaker” measures by the government on gathering and social distancing, general meetings requiring personal attendance cannot be conducted during this “circuit breaker” period.
We had previously written about the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures Act) and its provisions for the Minister of Law to prescribe alternative arrangements for, among others, the holding of general meetings during this “circuit breaker” period.
To read the full post, please visit the Duane Morris and Selvam COVID-19 Resource Blog.
