COVID-19 RESOURCES

COVID-19 Update: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with state and federal recommendations, our physical offices are closed; however, we remain fully operational in a remote capacity. While most firm members are working remotely through a secure connection, we have a small team onsite each day to support essential functions. All firm members have access to voicemails left on their office phone and can also be reached quickly by email or cell phone. As we navigate these uncharted waters together, we hope you will find this resource page useful. If you have any questions or would like to discuss these topics in more detail, please reach out to one of our attorneys.

Federal Resources

Updates from the CDC: How to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick

U.S. Department of Labor: Paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

U.S. Small Business Administration: Small business guidance and loan resources

Local and State Resources

All NC COVID-19 Executive Orders

NCDHHS Response to COVID-19: Including information about symptoms and testing, news briefings and up to date case count

Business & Employer Resources from the State of NC

Communicable Diseases and Workers’ Compensation: Critical Factors for Determining Compensability, Part 3 of 3

Luke West

This is the third and final article in a three-part series discussing different aspects of compensability of COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina, including: Part 1: Are all communicable diseases the same? Does the designation of an epidemic or pandemic change the way statutes are interpreted?; Part 2: What are the critical factors for…

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Communicable Diseases and Workers’ Compensation: Critical Factors for Determining Compensability, Part 2 of 3

Luke West

This is the second article in a three-part series discussing different aspects of compensability of COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina, including: Part 1: Are all communicable diseases the same? Does the designation of an epidemic or pandemic change the way statutes are interpreted?; Part 2: What are the critical factors for determining compensability…

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Communicable Diseases and Workers’ Compensation: Critical Factors for Determining Compensability, Part 1 of 3

Luke West

This is the first article in a three-part series discussing different aspects of compensability of COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina, including: Part 1: Are all communicable diseases the same? Does the designation of an epidemic or pandemic change the way statutes are interpreted?; Part 2: What are the critical factors for determining compensability…

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Unmasking the Confusion: COVID-19 – Are Employees Required to Wear Masks?

Chris Stipes, Natalia Isenberg and Jennifer Milak

In light of North Carolina entering “Phase 1” of lifting its COVID-19 restrictions, this article addresses issues involving employer requirements and employee use of facemasks, respirators, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (“PPE”). Current Guidance Here is what our government agencies are recommending. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) The EEOC released guidance that indicates an…

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Employment Law: COVID-19 Question of the Week 4

Jennifer Milak and Julia Hooten

Question: When an employee returns to work after a COVID-19 diagnosis, does the ADA allow employers to require doctors’ notes certifying their fitness for duty? Answer: According to the EEOC’s March 2020 published guidance, yes. However, practically, as healthcare providers’ time and resources become limited, such requirements may pose real practical problems. For questions or…

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Is the Force With You? Force Majeure Clauses, COVID-19 and Contracts

Brad Inman

Numerous businesses impacted by COVID-19 are searching for relief wherever they can find it. Difficult decisions are being made with respect to layoffs, lease or mortgage payments, and federal loan assistance as companies attempt to navigate the current environment. One area generating increased attention is whether a company’s contract provisions create either an obligation or…

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