Dear neighbors,

As you know, I have been working with my colleagues in government to provide as much security and stability for our community during the COVID-19 crisis as we can. I believe that we must do everything in our power to help New Yorkers focus on keeping themselves and their families safe rather than stressing over their next paycheck.

That’s why I just voted for a new law that will:

• Enact emergency paid sick leave for New Yorkers facing quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus.

• Waive the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance so workers whose employers close due to the pandemic can get the relief they need immediately.

Please continue reading for more information on these programs:

Coronavirus Quarantine Leave

Who is eligible for emergency paid quarantine leave?

Any employee in the state who is subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any other authorized governmental entity will be eligible for some form of paid sick leave.

Employees who traveled to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 health notice countries even after receiving notice of the health notice and undiagnosed, asymptomatic employees who can work from home are not eligible.

How do I find out if I am eligible, and how do I apply for paid quarantine leave if I am?

Call our office at 718-284-4700 so that we can keep you up-to-date as this bill becomes law and the appropriate contacts are identified.

Will employees have to use their accrued leave before receiving these benefits?

No. Sick leave for COVID-19 will not be charged against existing accrued sick leave.

Does this bill prevent retaliation against employees or failure to reintegrate them into the office at their current position after their leave?

Yes. No employee may be discharged, threatened, penalized or discriminated against because of their leave of absence. Employees must be restored to the position they held prior to their leave.

Immediate Access to Unemployment Insurance

How will Coronavirus-related employer closures affect unemployment insurance?

If an employer closes due to a reason related to COVID-19 or receives a mandatory order from a government entity, there will be no waiting period for the employee to file a claim for unemployment insurance.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, I am urging everyone to stay safe and stay informed. For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

As always, I am here to serve you. If my office can be of any help, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 718-284-4700 or email myrie@nysenate.gov.

In solidarity,

Zellnor Y. Myrie