On March 20, 2020, as the COVID-19 cases started to climb in California, The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), released its COVID-19 Guidance Information as a FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). It answers many concerns in the workplace that have come to light since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic. As employees and employers try to navigate through these unchartered waters, the DFEH stresses that they should ‘help prevent exposure to the virus and uphold civil rights protections to ensure discrimination does not occur in the workplace. California civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and harassment in employment, including during a pandemic’.
The FAQs address many concerns like whether employers may take employees’ temperatures, require employees to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), ask about an employee’s absence, and more. Most of the DFEH’s guidelines mirror previously issued guidance policies set by other federal agencies like the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Due to the developing complexities surrounding COVID-19 and the workplace, if you need assistance, it’s best to contact our office to discuss your issues confidentially. Call the employment Law Offices of Garry M. Tetalman today at (805) 879-7518.