Cities step up their efforts to combat the COVID-19 Delta variant. New York City, New Orleans, and San Francisco have all announced requirements for certain persons to produce evidence of COVID vaccination status in order to patronize or work indoors at certain establishments. Adding to an already complex patchwork of COVID-related regulation –
Puerto Rico Governor Extends Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination to Additional Private Industries
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has expanded mandatory COVID-19 vaccination to additional private industries effective August 30, 2021. Under Executive Order 2021-064 (EO), all beauty salons, barber shops, aesthetics salons, spas, gyms, childcare centers, supermarkets, grocery stores (including stores authorized by the WIC Program), casinos, and gas station stores must require and ensure that
USCIS Ombudsman Annual Report Highlights Challenges, Including COVID-19 Pandemic
One of the themes of this year’s USCIS Ombudsman Annual Report is that the agency has been through “a year like no other.” USCIS faced “unprecedented challenges.” With the COVID-19 pandemic came temporary office closures, reduced capacity, and budget cuts. This led to previously unseen levels of backlogs and deepening financial problems, according to the
Update on Northern and Southern Border Travel Restrictions
In a tweet on August 20, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security announced that:
“To minimize the spread of COVID19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossing with Canada and Mexico through September 21, while continuing to ensure the flow of essential
Tougher E-Verify Enforcement
E-Verify is moving toward tougher enforcement, which can result in a temporary termination from participation in the E-Verify program.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, E-Verify relaxed some of its standards regarding Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNCs). But, by November 2020, E-Verify stopped allowing extensions and began enforcing its usual timing requirements.
Employers receiving a TNC must notify
OSHA Updates Non-Healthcare Employer Guidance on COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its COVID-19 guidance for non-healthcare employers, Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace, on August 13, 2021. Read more.
In Pennsylvania, Facial Expressions Matter.
A Pennsylvania court recently addressed whether a deponent could be compelled to remove a face mask during his deposition after the deponent refused, citing health concerns. After rescheduling the deposition once, plaintiff’s counsel asked the Court to order the deponent to testify maskless given that he would be doing so alone in a room with
Puerto Rico Extends Mandatory Vaccination to Dining and Entertainment Sectors
Puerto Rico has made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for additional industries after Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi extended vaccination requirements for employees in the health and hospitality sectors beginning August 16, 2021. Under new Executive Order (EO-2021-063), restaurants, theaters, and other establishments in the dining and entertainment industries must comply with requirements for mandatory vaccination beginning August
Pittsburgh Expands COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
Pittsburgh has joined other American cities by enacting new legislation to address the uptick in COVID-19 cases from a sick leave perspective. Read more.
Delays, Scams and Technological Issues Force International Travelers to Plan Ahead and Be Cautious
Anyone thinking of travelling internationally next year needs to plan ahead. Due to backlogs, applications for new or renewed U.S. passports should be filed at least six months in advance. The Department of State (DOS) reports that regular processing takes up to 18 weeks and expedited processing takes at least 12 weeks. DOS is only