Ron Schirtzer Advises That Fear of COVID-19 is not Covered by the FFCRA

In an article published by the Society for Human Resource Management on May 1, 2020, Ron Schirtzer provides insight into the coverage provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). 

The FFCRA provides different types of paid leave when an employee is unable to work or telework due to a specified reason under the law. 

“If an employee is out because he or she has symptoms of the coronavirus—such as fever, dry cough and shortness of breath—the employee would be entitled to FFCRA sick-leave coverage from the time he or she became symptomatic, if the medical diagnosis confirms COVID‑19 infection,” explains Schirtzer. “The coverage would last until the employee recovered or his or her two weeks of sick leave coverage runs out, whichever happens first.” 

Workers who remove their children from day care solely out of fear of the pandemic and employees who self-quarantine because they are afraid of catching the coronavirus aren't covered by FFCRA.

“FFCRA coverage may apply if a local quarantine order precludes a child from using a child care facility or a health care provider has advised that a child be quarantined because of concerns of potential infection or transmission of the virus,” says Schirtzer. “Otherwise, a precautionary removal of the child when his or her child care facility remains open would not qualify for coverage.” 

For the full article, click here.