What Is The New COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Act?

If you are wondering what the New COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Act is, then keep reading as we go through what the act does and who it covers.

The new COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Act is a California employment law that covers employees with short-term paid leave for the following circumstances:

• Isolation and Quarantine – paid leave up to 40 hours
• Care to a family member who tests positive for COVID-19 – up to 40 hours of paid leave.

The total hours of paid leave ranges from 0-80 hours depending on the following conditions.

1. Isolation and Quarantine – If the employee needs to isolate or remain in quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 they are entitled to 40 hours of paid leave. The following conditions also include:

• Isolation for the employee
• Isolation of a child whom the employee provides care for if the child’s school is closed due to COVID-19.
• Time take off from work to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, including those for children.

A total of 40 paid leave hours are available for the above circumstances.

2. When the employee must care for a family member who tests positive to COVID-19 (children) or a loved one.

A total of 40-paid leave hours are available when the employee must care for a loved one or child who tests positive for COVID-19.

Does the New COVID-19 Sick Leave Act Cover Everyone?

No. There are certain restrictions that include:

1. Employer Size – More than 26 employees – If you are an employee who works for a California employer that employs more than 26 people, you are covered by this new COVID-19 act.
2. Employees who Telework and those whose jobs can become telework – If you can perform your job by teleworking, you are not automatically covered by the COVID-19 paid sick leave act. If you are not sure if that definition applies to you, check with an employment lawyer.
3. Independent Contractors – If you are a 1099 contractor, you have no coverage as you are not an employee. You can check your employment status with an employment lawyer – Independent Contractors are often misclassified, and you may actually be an employee rather than a contractor.

Contact DLaw For More Information Regarding the COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave Act

If you are unsure if you qualify for COVID-19 paid sick leave, reach out to our team at DLaw.  You can call us at (818) 275-5799 or send us a message. We are your local experts on Employee Law in California, and we will help determine if you have an employment law case.