News Alert: Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay

News Alert!!

The Colorado Department of Labor has issued a temporary leave rule to assist workers in specific industries within the state of Colorado to assist in the containment of Covid-19. 

The Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay is a temporary rule that requires employers in the below industries to pay four days of wages to employees with flu-like symptoms who are in the process of Covid-19 testing.

Impacted Industries:

• Leisure and hospitality
• Food services
• Child care
• Education, including transportation, food service, and related work with educational establishments
• Home health, if working with elderly, disabled, ill, or otherwise high-risk individuals
• Nursing homes
• Community living facilities

Is My Business Impacted?

If your business operates in on the of the above industries, then, yes.  This rule covers ANY employer engaged in the above service offerings... even if it is only a small portion of what your business does.  For example, if you own a bookstore, but have a cafe within the bookstore, then this rule applies to you.

Check out the CO DOL's FAQ Sheet for more information about industry definitions.  

How Long and How Much Do I Have to Pay?

Impacted employers must pay employees their regular pay rate for their regularly scheduled shifts for a period of four calendar days.  This means that if an employee is scheduled to work Monday through Friday and the employee notifies you that they are experiencing flu-like symptoms and makes plans to get tested on Thursday, you are required to pay them their regular wages for Thursday and Friday.  The four day period will end on Sunday, and you do not need to pay them for Saturday and Sunday.  

How Long Will This Last?

This temporary bill remains in effect for a minimum of 30 days, effective March 11, 2020.  If a longer state of emergency is declared by Governor Polis, this rule will be extended.  

What Now?

If you have any questions about how this temporary rule impacts you, reach out to us so we can help you ensure that you are up to speed.  

719-244-9640  |   [email protected]

More Information

If your business falls within the above industries or if you are not sure, please take some time to read the DOL's FAQ Sheet about The Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay rule. 

^{Disclaimer: HR Branches provides general information about Human Resources. Please note that the information provided, while reliable, is not legal advice. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources, to make sure your legal interpretation and decisions are correct for your location and circumstances. The purpose of this information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance on general HR matters.}