The COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges for small businesses. Lumbertown Law is here to act as a resource to help your small business navigate this unprecedented and uncertain time. This post is intended to provide business owners with a list of some of the topics affecting small businesses, and to give links to some resources to review in connection with these topics. If you would like advice specific to your situation, please email us to set up a convenient time discuss your circumstances. Please use these resources for education and guidance. Keep in mind that this situation is rapidly evolving, and these resources may change over time.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The full text of the FFCRA can be found HERE.
Employers need to post a notice that identifies the rights employees have under FFCRA. CLICK HERE to view the poster prepared by the Department of Labor, which should be posted in a conspicuous place in your workplace, and should be sent via email to all employees who are now working remotely.
CLICK HERE to review the Department of Labor's Employee Paid Leave Rights.
CLICK HERE to review the Department of Labor's Employer Paid Leave Requirements.
The Department of Labor's COVID-19 and the American Workplace page can be found HERE.
Be sure to check these resources often, as things have been changing rapidly. Generally speaking, the FFCRA has mandated that employees be provided two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick time in certain circumstances relating to COVID-19 and has expanded FMLA coverage for employees. If you have specific questions on these mandates, Email Me.
Michigan Executive Order 2020-21 From March 24, 2020 through April 13, 2020, Michigan residents have been ordered to stay home, except in certain circumstances. The full text of EO2020-21 can be found HERE. Employees who are deemed "critical infrastructure workers" or "necessary to conduct minimum basic operations" as those terms are defined in EO2020-21 are permitted to report to work. Employers must designate employees who fall into either category in writing no later than March 31, 2020. If you need assistance with designating essential employees, please contact us.
Michigan Executive Order 2020-20 EO2020-20 places temporary restrictions on the uses of places of public accomodation, which restrictions are set to expire after April 13, 2020. The full text of EO2020-20 can be found HERE.
Michigan Executive Order 2020-24
EO 2020-24 updated EO2020-10, which temporarily expanded unemployment eligibility for Michigan workers and provided cost-sharing options for employers. The full text of EO2020-24 can be found HERE.
Accounting
The IRS has implemented tax credits for small businesses to cover the cost of providing mandatory paid leave to employees affected by COVID-19. Learn more about these measures HERE. Additionally, filing deadlines have been extended, and the IRS is releasing additional information as it becomes available. Coronavirus Tax Relief information from the IRS can be found HERE. You should also consult with your business' CPA to discuss the implications of these provisions on your business and how you may be able to take advantage of credits.
Insurance
If your business has business interruption coverage, you should consult your agent to discuss filing an insurance claim. Your policy will likely have an exclusion from coverage which applies to this situation, but you should explore the policy with your agent. You may also want to review other existing policies with your agent to be sure you are not paying for more coverage than you need now and to discuss options in the event you are unable to continue making premium payments on time.
Lending If you are considering loans to assist your business, check out the SBA Coronavirus resources HERE. The SBA has provided other helpful resources which can be found HERE. We will attempt to provide further updates with links to primary documents as additional information becomes available. If we can be of assistance with any of this, please feel free to contact us. We are working from home, but have complete access to our files and systems to keep up on your legal needs.
Stay safe, and stay healthy!