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COVID-19 Update: May 15, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives and organizations, and is evolving quickly each and every day. Parker, Smith & Feek is dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest information.

Employee Benefits

Navigating Through Health and Mental Health Challenges in a COVID-19 Environment

Before the pandemic hit, addressing mental health was increasingly becoming a more popular topic. Now, with COVID-19 adding stress and uncertainty to everyday life, taking care of ourselves mentally is more important than ever. There are a slew of challenges to address, as well as reasons for optimism looking forward. Read more from John Feltz in the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Hospitality Practice

Hospitality Practice Group Update: Preparing to Reopen

As stay-at-home orders are lifted and hospitality businesses prepare to reopen, there are many important considerations for risk management and insurance to address. Read more from Patrick McHugh and Gregor Hodgson on actions businesses can take during the remainder of the shutdown to protect their operations and employees.

General Insurance

Webinar Series – Return to Work Planning

We hosted a webinar focused on strategies for return to work/office planning. Watch the recording to learn more.

General Resources

King County Directive on Face Coverings in Public

The Washington King County Department of Public Health issued a directive for people to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public. Read the directive to learn more about specifics, including when to wear masks and who is exempt.

Oregon Reopening Status – By County

Many Oregon Counties have applied to enter Phase I of reopening, per Governor Brown’s plan to rebuild a safe and strong Oregon. Visit the website to see specifics on Phase I guidance, and county application statuses.

Anchorage Moves into Phase 2 Reopening

Anchorage, Alaska’s mayor signed Emergency Order EO-09, moving the city into Phase 2: Recovery of reopening. This allows non-critical businesses to operate so long as they are able to adhere to safety criteria. Read the press release for more information.

California Executive Order N-62-20 – Workers’ Compensation

Governor Newsom signed an executive order that presumes California workers who contracted COVID-19 between March 19, 2020 – July 5, 2020 did so on the job. The order makes it easier for employees to access workers’ compensation benefits by shifting the burden of proof to employers, who will have to prove employees did not contract COVID-19 at work to avoid a claim. Read the order for more details and to learn more.

This order has heavy implications for all businesses operating in California, regardless of size or industry. We expect to see large impacts on workers’ compensation premiums for years to come.

While this specific order only applies to California, other states are implementing similar legislation as well. Download a state-by-state breakdown on workers’ compensation legislation, as well as other topics, from the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers here.

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