As access to COVID-19 vaccines becomes more prevalent, and we begin to conceptualize what a post-pandemic world might look like, many governments are assessing the idea of a COVID-19 vaccine passport framework. In late March, the European Commission announced its plan for a COVID-19 Digital Green Certificate framework (“the framework”) to facilitate “safe free movement
Practice Areas
No-Match Letters Discontinued
By Michael H. Neifach & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has stated that it has discontinued mailing No-Match letters (also known as EDCOR notifications) to employers.
SSA stated that it plans to focus instead on making it easier for employers to fix errors electronically through its Business Services Online Portal.
Immigration advocates and many employers welcomed the announcement, particularly as…
USCIS to Suspend Biometrics Requirements for Certain Visa Applications
By Yuchen Zhang on
Posted in Immigration
USCIS expects to suspend biometrics requirements for H-4, L-2 and E-1, E-2, and E-3 Form I-539 applications beginning May 17, 2021, for at least 24 months. It will retain the discretion to require biometrics on a case-by-case basis.
The suspension is intended to eliminate the adjudication backlog that has prevented H-4 and L-2 spouses from…
As COVID Restrictions Ease, “Fully Reopen” May Not Mean Business As Usual
By Noorin Hamid on
With COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations decreasing, states are slowly loosening restrictions on businesses. For example, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey announced plans to fully reopen by May 19th with some constraints remaining in place, including mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing. All three states have announced significant capacity rollbacks for indoor…
Restrictions on Travelers from India due to COVID-19 Begin May 4
By Michael H. Neifach & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration
The entry of nonimmigrants who were physically present in India during the 14-day period preceding their attempted entry will be suspended beginning 12:01 a.m. EDT on May 4, 2021, according to President Joe Biden’s April 30 proclamation on risk of transmitting COVID-19. Anyone on a flight that departed for the United States prior to that…
Are Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Shots Recordable to OSHA? It Depends.
Posted in Workplace Safety and Health
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that it will consider an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine a “work-related” recordable illness if an employee is required to take the vaccine as a condition of employment.
To read the full article, please click here.
Alert: Travel from India to be Restricted
By Michael H. Neifach & Amy L. Peck on
Posted in Immigration, Travel and Tourism
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced today that based upon CDC advice, India will be added to the list of countries subject to the 14-day travel restriction rule. It is reported that the new rule will go into effect on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 12:01 am and that airlines and Congress have already…
California Legislature Considers Bills Supporting Hazard Pay for Grocery and Health Care Industries
By Joy M. Napier-Joyce & Kymiya St. Pierre on
Posted in California, Wage and Hour
Despite the Governor’s recent announcement for a tentative reopening of the state by June, California’s legislature has been busy passing COVID-19-related laws. At the end of March, the Governor signed Senate Bill 95, which resurrected and expanded supplemental paid sick leave. And more recently, the Governor signed Senate Bill 93, which implemented a statewide…
DOH Employee Error Causes Breach of COVID-19 and Other Health Data Affecting Nearly 165,000 Individuals
By Joseph J. Lazzarotti on
Posted in Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity, Wyoming
In a recent post, we highlighted the need for a privacy and cybersecurity training program, one not solely focused on spotting phishing attempts (although that is quite important as well). A primary reason, quite simply, is that employees continue to be a leading cause of data breaches. This fact was reaffirmed for the Wyoming…
Coming Soon: Revisions to Cal OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Anticipated by June 2021
By Cressinda D. Schlag & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in California, Workplace Safety and Health
In November 2020, Cal OSHA passed the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Currently, the Standards are set to expire on October 2, 2021.
As outlined in prior articles, the ETS require that employers:
- Establish, implement, and maintain an effective written COVID-19 Prevention Program.
- Implement COVID-19 preventative measures.
- Report information to their local
…