The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving, therefore we encourage you to check the
Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpage and the CDC website regularly for the most current information.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for Businesses [Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Website, March 11, 2020]  
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers [Source: CA Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) Website, March 11, 2020.  LWDA is an executive branch agency that provides leadership to protect and improve the well-being of California’s current and future workforce. LWDA oversees seven major departments, boards, and panels that serve California businesses and workers.]
Guidance for Employers and Workers
An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified starting in Wuhan, China. There is no evidence of widespread transmission of COVID-19 in California at this time. While investigations to learn more about the virus are ongoing, workers and employers should review their health and safety procedures to help prevent exposure to the virus.
 
In the face of the coronavirus, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) wants to keep workers, employers, co-workers, and families safe. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. We are trying to make it easier and spread awareness through this centralized source of info. Use the guidance below to determine what is best for you, your family, and your workplace.
 
Paid Sick Leave
Disability and Unemployment Insurance
Paid Family Leave
Workplace Health and Safety Guidance
Employer Assistance
CA Department of Public Health
Common Sense Tips for Staying Healthy
 
Employer Resources
Employer Assistance  
Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus
Workplace safety and health regulations in California require employers to protect workers exposed to airborne infectious diseases such as the coronavirus. Cal/OSHA has posted guidance to help employers comply with these safety requirements and to provide workers information on how to protect themselves.
 
To protect workers and prevent exposure to the virus, employers must develop and maintain the required programs and plans for their facility or operation. Cal/OSHA recommends the interim guidance, educational materials and model programs and plans below be reviewed with an employer’s existing procedures to ensure that workers are protected.
 
Interim Guidance for Protecting Health Care Workers
·         Guidance for hospital and laboratory workers on preventing exposure to coronavirus
·         Guidance for health care facilities on the efficient use of respirator supplies
 
Interim Guidelines for Protecting Workers in General Industry
·         Cal/OSHA Interim Guidelines for General Industry on 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
 
Educational Materials and Fact Sheets
·         Safety & Health Fact Sheet | Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (PDF)
·         The California Workplace Guide to Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (PDF)
 
Model Written Plans and Programs
Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Model Exposure Control Plan (Word)
·         Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Model Laboratory Biosafety Plan (Word)
·         Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Referring Employer Model Written Program (Word)
 
Other Resources
·         FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
·         CDPH webpage on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
·         CDC webpage on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
·         Federal OSHA webpage on COVID-19
·         COVID-19 Prevention Tips Graphic (PNG) (PDF)
 
Information for Workers
Support Services for Workers
·         Summary Chart: Benefit for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
·         Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
·         Paid Sick Leave
·         Information on Disability Insurance (DI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and Unemployment Insurance (UI).
·         Support Services for those who are Sick or Quarantined, Caregiving, or Dealing with Reduced Work Hours.
 
Interim Guidance for Protecting Health Care Workers
·         Guidance for hospital and laboratory workers on preventing exposure to coronavirus
·         Guidance for health care facilities on the efficient use of respirator supplies
 
Interim Guidelines for Protecting Workers in General Industry
·         Cal/OSHA Interim Guidelines for General Industry on 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
What employees are entitled to may be confusing. The purpose of this information is to make it easier to understand what resources may be available.

Disability Insurance
If you're unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional)
Short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
Approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income); ranges from $50-$1,300 a week for up to 52 weeks.
Learn more about your eligibility for Disability Insurance
File a Disability Insurance claim

Paid Family Leave
If you're unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional)
Up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member.
Approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income); ranges from $50-$1,300 a week for up to 6 weeks.
Learn more about your eligibility for Paid Family Leave
File a Paid Family Leave claim

Unemployment Insurance
If you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19
Partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own.
Range from $40-$450 per week for up to 26 weeks.
Learn more about your eligibility for Unemployment Insurance
File an Unemployment Insurance claim

Paid Sick Leave
If you or a family member are sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine
The leave you have accumulated or your employer has provided to you under the Paid Sick Leave law.
Paid to you at your regular rate of pay or an average based on the past 90 days.
Learn more about your eligibility for Paid Sick Leave
If accrued sick leave is denied, file a Wage claim

Workers' Compensation
If you are unable to do your usual job because you were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of your work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Benefits include temporary disability (TD) payments, which begin when your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days or you are hospitalized overnight. You may be entitled to TD for up to 104 weeks. TD stops when either you return to work, your doctor releases you for work, or your doctor says your illness has improved as much as it's going to.
TD generally pays two-thirds of the gross wages you lose while you are recovering from a work-related illness or injury, up to maximum weekly amount set by law. In addition, eligible employees are entitled to medical treatment and additional payments if a doctor determines you suffered a permanent disability because of the illness.
Learn more about your eligibility for Workers' Compensation benefits
File a Workers' Compensation claim

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) [Source: CA Employment Development Department (EDD) Website, March 11, 2020.  EDD manages the Unemployment Insurance (UI) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs for the State of California. SDI includes Disability Insurance (DI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and the Nonindustrial Disability Insurance (NDI) programs. NDI includes DI and Family Care Leave (FCL).]
 
An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified starting in Wuhan, China. There is no evidence of widespread transmission of COVID-19 in California at this time. While investigations to learn more about the virus are ongoing, workers and employers should review their health and safety procedures to help prevent exposure to the virus.
The EDD provides a variety of support services to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California. For faster and more convenient access to those services, we encourage the use of our online options.
 
Workers
Sick or Quarantined
If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. DI provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
For guidance on the disease, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
 
Caregiving
If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. PFL provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
Reduced Work Hours
If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own. Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain able and available and ready to work during their unemployment for each week of benefits claimed and meet all other eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week.
 
Employers
Workplace Health and Safety
For information on protecting workers from COVID-19, refer to the Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus.
Businesses and employers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with planning and responding to COVID-19.
Reduced Work Hours
Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent.
Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.
 
Potential Closure or Layoffs
Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.
 
Tax Assistance
Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center.
  • Toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886
  • Hearing impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565
  • Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-3502
 
Resources
For more information related to disability, paid family leave, and unemployment benefits, visit our Coronavirus 2019 FAQs.
To learn about employee leave options, compensation, and salary, visit the Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs on Coronavirus Disease.
For information about job protection and employment discrimination, visit the Department of Fair Employment and Housing website.
Consult these additional resources for up-to-date information.
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