Pub. 10 2020 Issue 2

14 AUTOMOBILE DEALER NEWS ILLINOIS www.illinoisdealers.com COUNSELOR’SCORNER Coronavirus Relief For Dealership Employers and Their Employees — Families First Coronavirus Response Act By Julie Cardosi, Law Office of Julie A. Cardosi, P.C F amilies First Coronavirus ResponseAct (FFCRA) became effective April 1, 2020 and applies through December 31, 2020 as a measure to assist businesses with fewer than 500 employees with challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) administers and enforces FFCRA’s paid leave requirements. This FFCRA overview is provided with the caveat that further DOL rulemaking and guidance is expected. Dealerships should consult with their private attorneys concerning FFCRA’s appli- cation and must also comply with other existing laws applicable to employee leave. FFCRA generally provides that Covered Employers must provide to employees: • 2 weeks (up to 80 hours) emergency paid sick leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay where the employee is un- able towork/telework because the employee is quarantined