In the wake of the current wave of the latest COVID-19 strain, and with monkeypox virus (MPV) cases on the rise throughout the U.S. and globally, workers throughout the country have found themselves needing to take time off of work to seek medical care and testing, get vaccines, and/or recover or help a family member recover. Depending on where they work, many workers have important paid leave rights that can help them get preventive care or recover from illness without missing out on their paycheck.
Millions of workers across the 34 jurisdictions with paid sick time laws in effect have the right to use their paid sick time to recover from physical or mental illness or injury and to seek preventive care. Thus, under any paid sick time law, covered workers should be able to use their accrued paid sick time while recovering from COVID-19 or MPV, while caring for a family member who is recovering from COVID-19 or MPV, or for preventive measures, such as seeking testing or receiving the COVID-19 or MPV vaccines.
Paid sick time has proven to be a critical tool in stopping the spread of viral diseases, and A Better Balance will continue working toward ensuring that all workers have access to this essential workplace right. Follow us on social media and our blog for updates on paid sick leave, emergency sick leave, MPV, and COVID-19 in the weeks and months ahead. And for more information about your paid leave rights on COVID-19, MPV, or in general, visit our Workplace Rights Hub or contact A Better Balance’s free and confidential legal helpline.
