Update on state sick leave for COVID-19-related absences

In recent days, New York State Department of Labor updated guidance regarding the use of state sick leave for COVID-19 related absences. The new memo clarifies leave policies initially created in March 2020 and will be applied retroactively as appropriate.

Some key highlights from the new memo:

• The guidance clarifies that State/GOER COVID-19 quarantine leave may be used up to three times.
• The first 10 working days of leave may be for mandatory or precautionary quarantine (i.e., proximate exposure).
• The second or third time MUST be for mandatory isolation and an employee must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test.

This clarification is in conjunction with previous rules regarding healthcare workers and those identified by the state or county as essential workers.

Telecommuting should still be utilized to the greatest extent possible if an employee is able to work remotely.

COVID-19-related leaves that go beyond what is covered here are unpaid or must be charged to accruals.

At this time, the federal COVID-19 leaves (emergency FMLA) expired on Dec. 31, 2020, and are no longer available. We will communicate if this offering is reinstated.

Please contact benefits@newpaltz.edu or 845-257-3172 with any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19-related absences.