The U.S. Department of Labor website lists a big help for families that are struggling right now, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. It requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour division administers and enforces the new law's paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
Who qualifies:
Under the FFCRA, an employee qualifies for paid sick time if the employee is unable to work (or unable to telework)due to a need for leave because the employee:
is subject to Federal, State or local quarantine or isolation order related to Covid-19
has been advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine related to Covid-19
is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis
is caring for an individual subject to an order to self quarantine
is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to Covid-19
is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury