On Jan. 12, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it will open four equal employment opportunity (EEO) data collections in 2021. The agency had previously delayed EEO collections in May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Reporting will now resume according to the following schedule: April 2021: Private employers and federal [...]
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated [...]
In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released findings on maximizing the fit of cloth and medical procedure masks to reduce COVID-19 transmission and exposure. Notably, the research found that double-masking substantially improved source control of COVID-19 and reduced wearer exposure. According to the CDC's report, double-masking refers to fitting [...]
Making COVID-19 vaccination part of your workplace wellness program may offer benefits to you and your employees. To aid in keeping their workplace healthy, employers can consider offering free, on-site COVID-19 vaccinations at work locations. This HR Insights article provides an overview of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for workplace [...]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released interim COVID-19 vaccine considerations. Notably, the guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals who meet certain criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following exposure to someone with COVID-19. According to the CDC, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed [...]
You and your health care provider might consider an at-home collection kit or test if you have COVID-19 symptoms and can’t get tested by a health care provider. At-home collection kits and tests are available either by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy or retail store without a prescription. The Centers for Disease [...]
On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify special rules for Section 125 plans, health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs). Temporary Special Rules for Health FSAs and DCAPs The Notice is intended to clarify the application of special rules for health FSAs and DCAPs provided under the [...]
The common cold, flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses that affect your respiratory system, and all three illnesses share some symptoms. This makes it difficult to know what you may be sick with when you’re feeling under the weather. Learn more about the similarities and differences between the three illnesses below. This [...]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released an analysis that found that Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. According to the FDA, the vaccine meets requirements for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The vaccine, developed by Janssen Biotech Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has been found to have [...]
The persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic means it’s not a great time to travel anywhere, even within your own community. But sometimes travel is absolutely necessary, so, if you must venture out, do it safely. To that end, this article compiles guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you stay [...]
