COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Our COVID-19 Risk Management Library can now be viewed anytime by visiting agencyrmstore.com/categories/covid19. The Library is updated daily.
Insurance Guidance for Commercial Clients regarding Coronavirus or Covid-19
The news on all networks have been filled with information on the now declared pandemic of the Coronavirus or COVID-19. It is possible on your commercial property insurance to extend coverage to include coverage for loss of business income due to a closure of your business caused by a covered peril. A communicable disease like the Coronavirus may not be a covered peril, but you should not allow that assumption to keep you from taking action.
First, it is critically important to report all claims and potential claims to EACH AND EVERY CARRIER whose policy might apply to your loss. This includes CGL, Personal lines, Umbrella, Excess, Workers Compensation, Specialty and any other policy you may have.
Second, you need to determine whether you purchased business income coverage. If you don’t find the coverage in your policy description, be sure to call our office.
Third, if your business closes due to the Coronavirus, it is important to know (again) that communicable diseases typically are not a covered peril that would give rise to insurance benefits for loss of income. It doesn’t matter if the loss of income is just from a downturn of business due to the loss of many customers or the actual closure of your business. However, you should still report all claims and potential claims.
Please be sure to contact our agency if you have any questions.
CDC Coronavirus Guide
OSHA Guidance on COVID-19
Coronavirus Update from our Risk Management Team
Information for our Business Clients:
Bottom line: financial assistance to businesses and pay, health care and unemployment benefits for employees will not be resolved until the Federal government passes legislation and states follow up with their action plans.
Currently:
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Non-essential businesses are urged to close.
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Employees may or may not be eligible for unemployment compensation.
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The federal government may or may not provide funding for employers and employees.
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The US Senate is considering a $750 billion bill to raise funding for unemployment insurance, coronavirus treatment and emergency childcare assistance. The plan also includes student loan and housing payment assistance, aid to small businesses and expansion of hospital and treatment capacity.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America:
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Listen to and follow the directions of your STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
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IF YOU FEEL SICK, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
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IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE SICK, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
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IF SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS TESTED POSITIVE for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
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IF YOU ARE AN OLDER PERSON, stay home and away from other people.
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IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A SERIOUS UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf
Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Administration strongly urged non-essential businesses across the state to close for at least 14 days to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The governor’s request protects employees, customers, and suppliers and limits the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces.
Unemployment Compensation: INFORMATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYEES IMPACTED BY COVID-19 - https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx
Employees in Pennsylvania who are unable to work because of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits if:
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An employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19;
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An employer reduces an employee’s hours because of COVID-19;
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An employer tells an employee not to work because the employer feels an employee might get or spread COVID-19; or
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An employee has been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Employees exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace may be eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits. This will, in all likelihood, apply only to health-care providers.
Pay Issues:
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Hourly employees are required to be paid only for hours worked.
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Salaried (exempt from overtime) employees who choose to not work or are unable to work can use available paid leave time first and then unpaid leave in full-day increments only. Typically, salaried employees must be paid their full salaries for any week in which they are ready, willing and able to perform work. However, this regulation may not apply in the case of the current pandemic since state and federal regulators are requiring employers to close and for employees to remain home.
Guidance:
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