Many businesses are beginning their re-opening phases, while others are being forced to close again due to COVID-19 fluctuations.  In such uncertain circumstances, many employers are struggling to find a balance between the safe and efficient operation of their businesses, and preparation for potential closure orders and/or business restrictions.

Due to the uncertainty of the…

At the end of June, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance creating a right of reemployment for certain employees laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance became effective on July 3rd.  Although Mayor Breed did not sign the ordinance, the City Charter allows the ordinance to take effect if…

On June 23, 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance temporarily creating a right to reemployment for certain employees laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance, titled “Back to Work” emergency ordinance, requires that as certain employers reopen,  they must first seek to rehire the employee who previously held…

As businesses reopen, employers will almost certainly be faced with the potential of a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace. In addition to the industry-specific guidance for reopening that the State of California has issued, the California Department of Public Health (the Department) recently issued guidance for employers responding to a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace.…

Requirements for recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses are unique in California, with the state having more stringent obligations than federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) around both reporting of “serious injuries” and what constitutes a work-related injury or illness. To complicate the matter further for California employers, the State of California…

At the beginning of May, California implemented a staged reopening for businesses closed due to the shelter in place orders resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan, referred to as the “Resilience Roadmap” allowed for counties to apply for a variance if certain criteria set by the state public health officer are met. The variances…

As many California counties move into Stage 2 of the statewide reopening plan following the state’s stay-at-home order, San Francisco has developed its own phased plan for reopening businesses.

Currently, under San Francisco’s plan, essential business, curbside retail, some supply chain businesses, and outdoor businesses are permitted to open.

San Francisco businesses may verify…