Morgan Lewis has recently issued several LawFlashes on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, providing a number of resources for businesses across the globe dealing with various compliance challenges and unanswered questions. In this rapidly changing situation, for example, employers must carefully balance concerns related to employee and public safety with protecting employees from unnecessary medical inquiries, harassment, and discrimination.
To help guide companies through this multifaceted public health crisis, Morgan Lewis has launched Responding to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to keep on top of developments as they unfold.
Guidance for US Employers
Employers should work to update or develop emergency preparedness, travel, and response plans. Responsibility should be assigned to specific individuals or teams to assess the hazard, communicate with employees and the public, and implement appropriate security measures.
Guidance for Multinational Employers in the People’s Republic of China
Multinational companies with operations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) need guidance on how to handle the challenging employment issues associated with COVID-19, a fluid and rapidly changing situation.
Guidance for Multinational Employers in Hong Kong
When responding to COVID-19, companies with employees in Hong Kong should consult this guidance, which is based on existing laws and legislation, including previous guidelines issued by the Hong Kong Labour Department on labor-related matters arising from the 2003 SARS outbreak.
Salary Payment Standards in the PRC
In the changing employment environment surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak in the PRC, salary payment standards are governed by local rules and emergency measures.