ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced a three-way agreement with the state legislature on a paid sick leave bill. According to the governor's office, this will provide immediate assistance to New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus. According to the governor's office, the program bill also includes a permanent comprehensive paid sick leave policy.
To address the immediate need of employees affected by COVID-19 who are subject to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation, the Governor's legislation will provide the following:
- Employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide job protection for the duration of the quarantine order and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.
- Employers with 11-99 employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide at least 5 days of paid sick leave, job protection for the duration of the quarantine order, and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.
- Employers with 100 or more employees, as well as all public employers (regardless of number of employees), will provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave and guarantee job protection for the duration of the quarantine order.
The provisions of the legislation are set to take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring New York workers will be able to take advantage of these benefits.
The Governor also announced the state is now reaching out to qualified former doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide supplemental coverage at hospitals statewide.
