Category COVID-19 (3)

Relaxed Regulations for Food and Beverage Sales

As restaurants, bars, and breweries struggle to adjust to our new social-distancing normal, the state has relaxed some of the regulations on how these businesses can continue to provide alcohol to their customers. Specifically, there has been significant flexibility provided as to what, and how, beer or liquor can leave the facility. All... Read More

DOL Issues Much Anticipated Guidance for FFCRA Paid Leave Requirements

Today, the US Department of Labor announced its much anticipated temporary rule, providing regulations to implement the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). These temporary paid leave laws are intended to help workers forced to grapple with... Read More

What Would a Shelter-in-Place Order Look Like for Iowa?

As of today, Iowa is not under a shelter-in-place order. Governor Kim Reynolds has declined to issue a shelter-in-place order, but it may be coming. Cedar Rapids Mayor, Brad Hart, has urged Governor Reynolds to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order and has contemplated issuing a local order and Des Moines Mayor, Frank Cownie, has urged Des... Read More

Letter from Vice President to Hospital Administrators

Below is the copy from letter Vice President Pence wrote to hospital Administrators. Click HERE to view to view the official letter. Dear Hospital Administrator: On behalf of President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, I want to extend my gratitude for your tireless efforts to provide healthcare to Americans during this... Read More

Are You Exposing Your Business to the Risk of Coronavirus-Related Litigation?

We’re in the midst of dealing with COVID-19 and if you’re like many Iowa businesses, you’re just trying to keep up with the daily changes and problems the pandemic is bringing. But what about after the pandemic? Will there be a wave of Coronavirus-related litigation? How do you know if you’re exposing yourself now to the risk of litigation later?... Read More

COVID-19 and Essential Service Personnel Guidance

The Iowa Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) provided guidance last week related to COVID-19 isolation requirements for essential service personnel. Essential services personnel include: Healthcare providers; Law enforcement; Fire & EMS personnel; Long-Term Care personnel; Residential Support Facility personnel; and Public Health & Emergency... Read More

Your Company Just Enabled a Remote Workplace. . . but is it Secure?

The rapid spread of COVID-19 in the US has forced many companies to establish remote access to their systems in order to continue to operate. As an attorney working with clients on data security matters, I am seeing an uptick in compromised Microsoft Office 365 accounts as companies make the transition. Office 365 is a great platform that allows... Read More

Iowa Workforce Development Changes Policy on Unemployment Benefits and PTO

Iowa Workforce Development announced today that effective immediately, employees who are or will be laid off, or are unable to work for COVID-19-related reasons, will not be required to use all available paid leave before becoming eligible to receive Iowa unemployment benefits. This change is not retroactive and claims will not be backdated. This... Read More