November 4, 2020
11.04.2020 Handling COVID-19 Positive Cases in the Workplace
To assist you with handling employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, we developed a Responding to a Positive Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Checklist and Contact Tracing in the Workplace Form. Before implementing these tools, be sure to read the important considerations below.
As you know, the COVID-19 situation is constantly changing. Public health guidance has also developed as infectious disease experts learn more about the virus and conditions on the ground get worse or improve.
For example, and relevant to COVID-19 exposure in the workplace, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently revised its definition of close contact as “being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.” The CDC also states individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period (e.g., three 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) count towards determining close contact.
Employers should regularly consult guidance not only from the CDC, but from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Labor (DOL), as well as their state and local public health departments throughout the course of this pandemic to ensure they are complying with the most updated guidelines.
Employers may ask all employees who will be physically entering the workplace if they have COVID-19 or symptoms associated with COVID-19 and ask if they have been tested for COVID-19.
An employer may exclude those with COVID-19, or symptoms associated with COVID-19, from the workplace because, as the EEOC has stated, their presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. However, for those employees who are teleworking and are not physically interacting with coworkers or others (e.g., customers), an employer would generally not be permitted to ask these questions.
Consider teleworking options whenever possible. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace and should err on the side of caution before allowing an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 to return to work. At the same time, employers must ensure they take all necessary steps to protect the identity of any employee who has tested positive for the coronavirus to the extent possible. Various laws protect against the release of this information. Thus, while employers should inform any affected coworkers of their possible exposure in the workplace, they should not reveal the identity of the employee(s) who tested positive.
Paid Sick Leave. Effective April 1, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides for federally mandated emergency paid sick leave and paid expanded family and medical leave for employers with fewer than 500 employees. Employers should ensure individuals who have tested positive for the virus are aware of the FFCRA’s paid leave provisions. If the organization is covered under the FFCRA, there are certain requirements relating to employee eligibility, documentation, posting and compensation.
In addition, states and localities have passed paid sick leave laws related to COVID-19. OELS will continue to monitor state and local leave requirements to you receive applicable information to ensure compliance.
ADA. You may be required to provide a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act if an employee with COVID-19 gets severely sick or the disease complicates one or more preexisting health conditions or disabilities, provided it does not pose an undue hardship on the employer. If you are unsure whether you need to engage in the interactive process with an employee who tests positive for COVID-19, contact our HR Professionals.
Download the Responding to a Positive Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Checklist
Responding to a Positive Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Checklist 3072
Download the Contact Tracing in the Workplace Form
Contact Tracing in the Workplace Form 3071
As always, should you have any questions, please contact your OELS HR team member.
October 29, 2020
9.04.2020 New York Election Law Reminder
September 4, 2020
9.04.2020 PPP Loan Forgiveness Update
September 2, 2020
9.02.2020 SS Tax Information
May 27, 2020
5.27.2020 Additional PPP IFR Loan Forgiveness Information
May 26, 2020
5.26.2020 Updated 10 Steps to PPP Forgiveness Guide
Our partner Fisher Phillips has updated their 10 Steps to Forgiveness document based on the US Treasury’s release of the latest guidance on PPP loan forgiveness. Congress will likely make changes in the near future.
FP – 10 Steps to PPP Loan Forgiveness REVISED 5.22.2020
We will keep you updated as material changes occur.
May 19, 2020
5.18.2020 Recorded Webinar: Returning To Work: An HR Checklist
On Monday, 5/18/2020, OELS proudly hosted a webinar with Janet Giannetta, Partner at Visions Human Resources Services, LLC. For those who attended, thank you for the questions and resoundingly positive feedback. We are happy to announce that the playback link is provided here: Watch Recording
Handouts below:
April 30, 2020
4.28.2020 Recorded Webinar: Next Steps in Maximizing Your Paycheck Protection Loan and other CARES Act Benefits
On Tuesday, 4/28/2020, OELS proudly hosted a webinar with Fisher Phillips focusing on Maximizing Your Paycheck Protection Loan and Forgiveness Guidance as well as other CARES Act Benefits. For those who attended, thank you for the questions and resoundingly positive feedback. We are happy to announce that the playback link is provided here: Watch Recording
April 22, 2020
April 9, 2020
Dear Client,
Please select the link below to view the latest regulations from the Treasury on the Paycheck Protection Program.
Contact us at 1-800-443-6357 if you have any questions.
Thank you. Stay safe and healthy!
April 1, 2020
Dear Client,
We at OELS understand that these are challenging times for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)” that is sponsored by the SBA division United States Federal
Government.
We, at OELS, feel that this program is a very viable solutions during the economic downturn caused by COVID19. We also understand that there are complexities to the PPP and we would like to extend our assistance in preparing your
application as well as offer our services as your acting agent during the loan process.
Please read the following PPP overview as well as the standard SBA application, which may or may not change depending on your financial lending institution. In addition, we are enclosing a more detailed PPP information sheet to assist with any additional information that you require.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any additional questions or concerns that you may have by sending an e-mail to mmerrell@oelspeo.com. Please put “PPP Data Request” in the subject line.
Small Business “Paycheck Protection” Loans
The most significant provision of the CARES Act for employers establishes new “paycheck protection” loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help employers continue to cover payroll costs and other expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. The covered period for loans is February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Fully Forgiven
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will
charge small businesses any fees.
Must Keep Employees on the Payroll—or Rehire Quickly Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if fulltime headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
All Small Businesses Eligible
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veteran’s organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
When to Apply Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.
Common Lending Institution Data Requests (Subject to change depending on your lending financial institution)
2019 IRS Quarterly 940, 941 or 944 payroll tax reports (as a client of a PEO, you
do not have tax filings in your name and Fed ID, so we will be providing
equivalent reports on our company letterhead in lieu of a Form 941).
Last 12 months of Payroll Reports beginning with your last payroll date and going
backwards 12 months (e.g. gross wages for each employee, paid time off for
each employee, vacation pay for each employee)
1099s for 2019 for independent contractors that would otherwise be an employee of your business
Documentation showing total of all health insurance premiums paid by the Company Owner under a group health plan
Document the sum of all retirement plan funding that was paid by the Company Owner (do not include funding that came from the employee’s out of their paycheck deferrals)
Business owners may be asked to provide additional information and documents not listed above. We are awaiting additional details from the SBA related to expectations on lenders prior to funding.
The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.
April 1, 2020
Dear Client,
We at OELS understand that these are challenging times for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)” that is sponsored by the SBA division United States Federal
Government.
We, at OELS, feel that this program is a very viable solutions during the economic downturn caused by COVID19. We also understand that there are complexities to the PPP and we would like to extend our assistance in preparing your
application as well as offer our services as your acting agent during the loan process.
Please read the following PPP overview as well as the standard SBA application, which may or may not change depending on your financial lending institution. In addition, we are enclosing a more detailed PPP information sheet to assist with any additional information that you require.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any additional questions or concerns that you may have by sending an e-mail to mmerrell@oelspeo.com. Please put “PPP Data Request” in the subject line.
Small Business “Paycheck Protection” Loans
The most significant provision of the CARES Act for employers establishes new “paycheck protection” loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help employers continue to cover payroll costs and other expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. The covered period for loans is February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Fully Forgiven
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will
charge small businesses any fees.
Must Keep Employees on the Payroll—or Rehire Quickly Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if fulltime headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
All Small Businesses Eligible
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veteran’s organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
When to Apply Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.
Common Lending Institution Data Requests (Subject to change depending on your lending financial institution)
2019 IRS Quarterly 940, 941 or 944 payroll tax reports (as a client of a PEO, you
do not have tax filings in your name and Fed ID, so we will be providing
equivalent reports on our company letterhead in lieu of a Form 941).
Last 12 months of Payroll Reports beginning with your last payroll date and going
backwards 12 months (e.g. gross wages for each employee, paid time off for
each employee, vacation pay for each employee)
1099s for 2019 for independent contractors that would otherwise be an employee of your business
Documentation showing total of all health insurance premiums paid by the Company Owner under a group health plan
Document the sum of all retirement plan funding that was paid by the Company Owner (do not include funding that came from the employee’s out of their paycheck deferrals)
Business owners may be asked to provide additional information and documents not listed above. We are awaiting additional details from the SBA related to expectations on lenders prior to funding.
The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.
April 1, 2020
Dear Client,
We at OELS understand that these are challenging times for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)” that is sponsored by the SBA division United States Federal
Government.
We, at OELS, feel that this program is a very viable solutions during the economic downturn caused by COVID19. We also understand that there are complexities to the PPP and we would like to extend our assistance in preparing your
application as well as offer our services as your acting agent during the loan process.
Please read the following PPP overview as well as the standard SBA application, which may or may not change depending on your financial lending institution. In addition, we are enclosing a more detailed PPP information sheet to assist with any additional information that you require.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any additional questions or concerns that you may have by sending an e-mail to mmerrell@oelspeo.com. Please put “PPP Data Request” in the subject line.
Small Business “Paycheck Protection” Loans
The most significant provision of the CARES Act for employers establishes new “paycheck protection” loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help employers continue to cover payroll costs and other expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. The covered period for loans is February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Fully Forgiven
Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will
charge small businesses any fees.
Must Keep Employees on the Payroll—or Rehire Quickly Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if fulltime headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
All Small Businesses Eligible
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veteran’s organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
When to Apply Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov.
Common Lending Institution Data Requests (Subject to change depending on your lending financial institution)
2019 IRS Quarterly 940, 941 or 944 payroll tax reports (as a client of a PEO, you
do not have tax filings in your name and Fed ID, so we will be providing
equivalent reports on our company letterhead in lieu of a Form 941).
Last 12 months of Payroll Reports beginning with your last payroll date and going
backwards 12 months (e.g. gross wages for each employee, paid time off for
each employee, vacation pay for each employee)
1099s for 2019 for independent contractors that would otherwise be an employee of your business
Documentation showing total of all health insurance premiums paid by the Company Owner under a group health plan
Document the sum of all retirement plan funding that was paid by the Company Owner (do not include funding that came from the employee’s out of their paycheck deferrals)
Business owners may be asked to provide additional information and documents not listed above. We are awaiting additional details from the SBA related to expectations on lenders prior to funding.
The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information.
Good afternoon from OELS
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