Covid-19 Legal Updates

Partner Barbara Marschalk was featured in the Daily Report about how she is staying sane during this time of isolation. Some local attorneys have created a Peloton "Bike Club." Marshalk's alias is GamecockBAM. This Peloton handle brings out Marschalk's love for her alma mater, University of South Carolina. It can bring you to a common ground. Even if we are arguing about some legal issue, at the end of the day we can get on the bike together and push each other to go harder and further. Barbara Marschalk is not only a part of this local lawyer's ride group, but also Peloton Law Mom group. Marschalk encourages others to join one or both groups to ride with them each day. These groups ... Continue Reading

On March 20, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security announced that, in light of the precautions being implemented by employers due to COVID-19, it will exercise discretion in enforcing the physical presence requirements associated with Form I-9.  DHS announced that it will not require employers with employees taking physical proximity precautions due to COVID-19 to review the employee’s original identity and employment authorization documents in the employee’s physical presence. Employers must still inspect the Section 2 documents, but may do so remotely (for example, over video link, fax, email, etc.). Employers must obtain, inspect, and retain copies of the documents within ... Continue Reading

On March 18, 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) into law. On March 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance for employers. We anticipate this DOL guidance is the first of many updates to come, and we will update you when new information is available. Highlights of New DOL Guidance: Effective Date Change: The emergency paid sick leave provisions of the EPSL will be available on April 1, 2020 (rather than April 2, 2020, as suggested in previous guidance), and will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. Delayed Penalties for Noncompliance: Until April 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor will not enforce the penalty ... Continue Reading

Drew Eckl & Farnham is pleased to be able to pass along information on how to access the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resource & Relief Info for Small Businesses during COVID-19. We will provide more targeted information for businesses in the near future. Visit U.S. Chamber of Commerce ... Continue Reading

With the spread of COVID-19 to the U.S., many insurers are preparing for possible COVID-19 related first party property claims by reviewing what coverages and exclusions might be applicable to such claims.  While any claim is dependent on the specific terms of the policy issued to each insured, insurance companies should consider certain coverages and exclusions as a checklist. Partners Karen Karabinos and Eric Mull will address a coverage provision or exclusion each day.  Today’s focus is on Civil Authority Coverage.  Coverage Provision – Civil Authority As we mentioned in Edition No. 1 of our COVID-19 coverage issues update, insureds may cite to Civil Authority ... Continue Reading

With the spread of COVID-19 to the U.S., many insurers are preparing for possible COVID-19 related first party property claims by reviewing what coverages and exclusions might be applicable to such claims.  While any claim is dependent on the specific terms of the policy issued to each insured, insurance companies should consider certain coverages and exclusions as a checklist. Partners Karen Karabinos and Eric Mull will address a coverage provision or exclusion each day.  Today’s focus is on Business Income Loss Coverage. Coverage Provision – Business Income Loss Coverage Most commercial policies provide for some business income loss coverage, usually defined as the actual ... Continue Reading

Here are some key notes to keep in mind as the Treasury Secretary has postponed Tax Day: Here are some key notes to keep in mind as the Treasury Secretary has postponed Tax Day: The April 15 income tax filing and income tax payment deadline is postponed to July 15 There is no longer a limitation on the amount of payment that may be postponed No extension is required to be filed by April 15 to qualify for the July 15 deadline Many states are expected to follow suit, though Georgia has not yet announced whether it will follow the federal postponed deadline ... Continue Reading

The American Trucking Association's Covid-19 Update Hub is tracking the following issues across the 50 states: •             Closures of state driver license agencies •             CDL expiration date extensions •             New CLP and CDL issuance / testing restrictions •             Increased size and weight limits •             Parking and rest stop availability  Click Here for ATA’s Individual State Guidance & Declarations ... Continue Reading

Our attorneys are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and how it might affect our trucking and transportation clients. Yesterday (March 23), the Department of Transportation issued guidance on drug and alcohol testing for federally regulated transportation workers during this time. While they have addressed that resources may be limited for drug and alcohol training and testing requirements, they advised that "you should make a reasonable effort to locate the necessary resources." Our attorneys are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and how it might affect our trucking and transportation clients. Yesterday (March 23), the Department of Transportation issued guidance on drug ... Continue Reading