COVID 19 Update 4 – House passes virus response bill, NYS waives wait period for Unemployment Insurance
In an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the House passed sweeping legislation to respond to the coronavirus outbreak battering the nation. Passage expected early next week. President will sign.
The legislation includes 14 paid sick days for employees, as well as three months of paid emergency leave throughout the coronavirus crisis. Employers will be reimbursed for some of these costs through tax credits. At GOP insistence, the emergency leave provision will expire in a year. And Republicans were able to insert language exempting smaller businesses from the requirements.
The legislation helps provide free food for children whose schools are closed during the crisis, as well as other initiatives to make sure seniors and food banks get help as well.
One of the biggest provisions involves free testing — which has been one of the major shortcomings in the U.S. response to the outbreak so far.
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
