Despite the constant influx of novel legal issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the New Jersey Appellate Division is still busy at work rendering decisions on all aspects of the law, including those related to labor and employment. Case in point: M.R. v. Board. of Trustees (PERS), No. A-6015-17T4, 2020 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS
Update on Hotels/Housing for First Responders Who May Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
As you are all aware, we recently posted an article about the ability of New Jersey, its counties, and municipalities to house first responders and others who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in hotels and motels at federal expense. Since that time, numerous NJ Public Safety Officers, as well as the Unions that represent…
Cooper Hospital to Open Testing Sites for Law Enforcement and First Responders
As reported by Patch.com, Cooper University Health Care will open two COVID-19 testing sites solely for Camden law enforcement, first responders at all levels of government and medical personnel on Tuesday.
“Our friends in the law enforcement and first responder communities play a vital role in protecting society. For many of these dedicated individuals,…
Legislation Proposed that Expands Workers Compensation Benefits for First Responders Contracting COVID-19
As reported in Insider NJ Senator Steven Sweeney introduced legislation expanding access to workers’ compensation benefits for front-line workers that have fallen ill as a result of exposure to COVID-19.
The bill, like similar legislation that has been introduced in Minnesota, would create a presumption that COVID-19 disease infections contracted by essential employees who interact…
NJ To Use Hotels For First Responders Who May Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
As reported by NJ.com, New Jersey and its municipalities just got permission to house first responders and others who may have been exposed to the coronavirus in hotels and motels at federal expense. The State became eligible to request Federal Emergency Management Agency funding after President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration March 26.…
CDC Modifies Guidance for First Responders and Critical Infrastructure Employees
As announced at the White House Press Briefing on the evening of April 8, 2020, yesterday, the Center for Disease Control has modified their guidelines for First Responders that may have been exposed to individuals infected with COVID-19. The new guidelines that were most recently posted on the CDC’s Website are meant to assist agencies…
Navigating the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides paid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and paid sick leave for absences resulting from COVID-19. Here are some important points regarding the impact of the law as well as its application:
- The law took effect on
…
US Secretary of the Treasury : First Responders Could Receive Hazard Pay
As reported by firerescue1.com, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a fourth stimulus package could include hazard pay for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Mnuchin told CNN Monday that his department has not yet begun work on a fourth stimulus package, as it works to implement the third package passed…
Why New Jersey Needs a Dedicated COVID-19 Testing Facility for Correctional Police Officers
On Thursday, March 26, 2020, on behalf of ten thousand (10,000) New Jersey State Correctional Police Officers, I sent correspondence to the Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the Acting Director for the New Jersey State Juvenile Justice Commission requesting that they petition the Governor for the State of New Jersey to…
Gov. Murphy Permits Child Care Centers to Remain Operational if Exclusively Serving Children of Essential Workers
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 110 (EO-110), directing all child care centers in New Jersey to certify by Friday, March 27, that they will solely serve as emergency child care centers for the children of essential workers. Child care centers that do not certify that they can and…












