CDC Shortens Recommended COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Periods
On December 27, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised recommendations for people who test positive for or are exposed to COVID-19. The updated guidelines reflect recent evidence that transmission of the now-prevalent Omicron variant typically occurs 1-2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and 2-3 days after. The recommendations […]
I-9: Extension to Remote Validation
** Update December 2021** The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have extended the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9 until April 30, 2022. See our earlier blog for more information on how to obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility […]
Dane County Face Covering Emergency Order #6
Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued Face Covering Emergency Order #6. The new order is effective January 3, 2022 and remains in place until February 1, 2022. The only change from the previous Order #5 (see Lake Effect’s summary of the previous orders here) is the extension of time. Lake Effect is here […]
EEOC Clarifies When COVID-19 Condition May Be a “Disability” Under the ADA
The EEOC updated its COVID-19 Technical Assistance Guidance on December 14, 2021. The Guidance’s new Subpart N discusses when COVID-19 or a post-COVID condition may qualify as an ADA covered “disability” triggering the statute’s anti-discrimination and reasonable accommodation requirements. Key points include: Not every COVID-19 related impairment constitutes a disability under the ADA, and the […]
Dane County Face Covering Emergency Order #5
Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued Face Covering Emergency Order #5. The new order is effective November 27, 2021. The only changes from the previous order (see Lake Effect’s summary of the previous orders here) are the following: A new exemption for fully vaccinated persons in enclosed spaces with other fully vaccinated persons: […]
The Uncertain Fate of OSHA’s ETS Mandating Employer Vaccination Policies
What is the status of OSHA’s ETS? As Lake Effect previously reported, OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard earlier this month requiring employers with 100 or more employees to implement mandatory vaccination or testing/masking policies. Read our prior blog for a full discussion of OSHA’s guidelines and requirements. In response to the ETS, employers across […]
Benefit Limits for 2022
Each year, the IRS sets new limits for employee benefits plans and retirement plans. Please see below for Lake Effect’s ready reference chart setting forth the Benefits Limits for the 2022 tax year. A PDF of this information can be downloaded here. 2021 2022 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Healthcare FSA max election (per year) […]
OSHA Issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard
On November 4, 2021, OSHA issued its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and a helpful FAQ detailing the federal mandatory vaccination and testing requirements for large employers across the country. The ETS is lengthy and detailed, but major highlights include the following: Who: The mandatory vaccination and testing requirements apply to US employers with at least 100 employees firm or […]
US Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Tipped Workers
On October 28, 2021, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued its Final Rule on tipped workers, establishing when tipped employees can be paid less than the federal minimum wage, an issue that has been in a state of flux over the last several years. The Final Rule will take effect on December 28, 2021. […]
Provisions of Final Tip Pool Rule Effective November 23, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor’s latest final tip pool rule provisions will take effect on November 23, 2021. For further discussion on other provisions of the final rule that were implemented in April 2021, please see Lake Effect’s prior blog on this topic. The following provisions of the final tip pool rule will take effect […]
