Coronavirus


Thought COVID-19 Was Done? Not So Fast.

Here Are the Latest Updates. Update as of November 12 – Please note that in the draft rules OSHA set, the due date to get your updated COVID-19 plan in place was by November 21st. That deadline has been pushed back to December 21st.  Update as of November 6th – Oregon OSHA has published documents related to these new rules. Click here for the published documents.https://osha.oregon.gov/rules/advisory/infectiousdisease/Pages/default.aspx Note they also have a link to a new […]


UPTICK IN COVID-19 RELATED ISSUES

After a reasonably quiet summer, Cardinal has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 related issues. Among them, are concerns that employees are contracting the virus outside of the workplace, or have been in contact with positive COVID-19 cases. This has resulted in concerns from co-workers about how, and when these employees can return to work. Consequently, we have also seen a sudden increase in the amount of emergency paid sick leave requests. It appears this […]


Handling Political & Covid-19 Workplace Discussions

Tips on keeping employees’ conversations on controversial topics civil  As employees return to the workplace, there may be heated discussions among co-workers concerning the upcoming elections, current events, or the pandemic. Due to this, arguments and outright hostilities may erupt. If tempers flare during these heated discussions, supervisors will need to know how to handle the situation. To reduce the potential for heated discussions, it is essential to have a policy in place regarding political […]


Back to Work – Employee Safety Concerns on Returning to Work

Get ready to have new policies in place and answer employee questions  Your employees may have many questions and concerns after returning to work. It is your job, as the employer, to address these questions and concerns regarding employees’ health and safety as we face COVID-19. Below is a probable list of questions employees may ask as you reopen your business. 


My Employee Tested Positive for CORONAVIRUS – Now What?

COVID-EXPOSURE FAQ Here is a list of immediate steps you can take to manage when an employee, customer, or worksite visitor tests positive for coronavirus or when a staff member is ordered to self-isolate due to possible exposure: Inform your management team immediately. If you are a small business, management may just be the business owner. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] has a webpage that offers the latest information concerning small businesses […]


SBA Loan Notice

At this time the SBA has loaned out all the money under the Payroll Protection Program. We are leaving information about this program on our web page as we understand Congress is trying to come up with more funding. If more money is appropriated, employers should review changes in benefits to the PPP, if any, as well any new requirements. Cardinal will endeavor to keep you updated.


Latest Clarifications on Applying for a “Paycheck Protection Program” Loan

THE LOAN PROGRAM IS OPERATIONAL  Implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) has begun. Quite a few employers have applied to financial institutions for this loan and have been accepted into the program. Some of Cardinal’s employers have even already been approved for their PPP loans.  UPDATED CLARIFICATIONS   The Small Business Administration [SBA] is addressing some of the issues that have surfaced during […]


Paycheck Protection Program

WHAT IS IT? The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to as a short-term loan to pay for employee payroll for 2 ½ months, as well as some utilities and rent. If you keep most of your employees after that period, the loan can turn into a grant. See loan for details.  This program is designed to be a bridge to keep your employees employed during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Download program details here.  THE […]


Oregon school closures & parental sick leave

Client questions on Oregon school closures & parental sick leave – the Oregon Sick Leave Law does apply to public health emergencies! Gov. Kate Brown has announced that all K-12 public schools in the state of Oregon will be closed Monday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 31st, in an effort to slow the spread of Coronavirus. The school closure announcement comes just after Gov. Brown’s Executive Order #20-25, which prohibits large public gatherings with more […]


Oregon Labor Law covers the Coronavirus

Oregon’s sick time law specifically covers absences during a public health emergency [Allows all employees to earn and use up to 40 hours of protected sick time each year.]  It is an unlawful employment practice to discipline and/or terminate and employee for using protected sick time.   Closure of the employee’s place of business, or the school or place of care of the employee’s child, by order of a public official due to a public […]