With the COVID-19 pandemic came many changes that have affected our personal and professional lives. Many companies have changed their operational policies, allowing employees to work remotely, fully or partially. States and counties have also adjusted laws to accommodate the current trends.
California is one state that has reviewed its sick days policy to give employees more allowance to recover. The New Labor Code Section 248.6 under California’s 2022 CPSL law will allow employers with a staff strength of more than 26 to embark on sick leave for COVID-19-related issues between January 1 and September 30. Employees can use these leave days to take care of themselves and their family members until complete recovery.
How Employees Can Use Sick Leave
The California CPSL 2022 covers more reasons employees can use their sick leave than CPSL 2021. The many reasons why CPSL 2022 can be used are;
- An employee must quarantine for a stipulated period based on federal, state, or local COVID-19 laws.
- A healthcare provider recommends that an employee isolates due to COVID-19-related issues.
- Either the employee or a family member schedules their COVID-19 booster or vaccine appointment.
- An employee or a close family member is experiencing COVID-19 vaccine-related symptoms that do not allow them to work either from the office or remotely.
- An employee exhibits COVID-19 symptoms and requires a medical examination and attention.
- An employee takes care of a close relative who is self-isolating or has been advised to quarantine due to COVID-19 concerns.
- An employee cares for a child whose school or care center has been closed due to COVID-19 exposure reasons.
- An employee has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus or is in close contact with or caring for a family member who has tested positive.
Additionally, if an employee decides to use CPSL on Sept. 30, the employer can take sick leave and use it fully without interruption.
How the amount of leave days is determined under CPSL
There have been slight changes in the methods of determining the number of sick leave days that an employee is entitled to from the CPSL 2021. The 80 hours full-time rule still applies; however, how it can be broken up is slightly different.
Employees can only take up to 40 hours of leave for one bank if they test positive for COVID-19. This also applies if they are caring for a relative who has tested positive. The next half of leave hours of up to 40 hours will be available to them only if they are in self-isolation, on a vaccine schedule, have symptoms of COVID-19 or receiving any form of medication related to this, or caring for a child whose care center or school has been closed down as a result of COVID-19 concerns.
The CPSL also clearly states allowable leave days for full-time and contract staff to protect employers. It also stipulates employee obligations under the law.
If you or your business need further information on the 2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help.
