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COVID-19 Sick Leave Ends July 31 Employees will still be able to use their NYS Sick Leave

New York State’s Emergency COVID-19 Paid Leave law will officially end on July 31^st, 2025. Enacted in March 2020, the legislation required employers to provide up to 2 weeks of paid time off to employees who contracted COVID-19 and were under a quarantine or isolation order. With the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency, the United States Centers for Disease Control has pushed for the elimination of COVID-19 isolation requirements. New York follows other states in sunsetting specific COVID-19 regulations. While the program is ending and the situation with COVID-19 is very different than it was five years ago, it’s important for employers to understand what obligations they still have to employees who may contract COVID-19.

What’s Changing?

Specific Paid Time Off For COVID-19: Starting July 31^st, the specific COVID-19 related paid sick leave will no longer be available. Employees who have contracted COVID-19 will need to use existing New York Paid Sick Leave, New York Paid Family Leave, or New York City Earned Sick and Safe Time for protected paid leave when taking paid time off for their illness..

What Should Employers Do?

Make Employees Aware: Employers should be sure to notify their staff that the COVID-19 Paid Leave is set to expire on July 31^st.

Highlight Other Leave Options: Employees may have questions regarding other options for paid leave if they contract COVID-19.  After July 31, employers should handle COVID-19 cases as they would any other need for paid sick leave. Employers should be sure to inform their staff of these options leading up to July 31^st to reduce confusion.

Review and Update HR Materials: Ensure that employee handbooks reflect the upcoming changes in leave policies.

Bottom Line: It is crucial that employers keep their employees well informed of the changes in pandemic-era practices to ensure a happy and safe working environment. Continue to encourage employees to take time off when sick to avoid the spread of illness within the workplace. As the workplace continues to adjust to the post-pandemic norms, clear communication and support will help ensure a smoother transition.

Questions? Contact us today!