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March 25 E-News:  State Issues FAQs, Further Guidance on

Defining Who/What is “Essential”


The FAQs address many of the questions already submitted to the state relating to the previously issued COVID-19 Essential Services guidance.  All members are encouraged to closely review the FAQs.  Further guidance will be provided on a rolling basis through the FAQ page, which will be updated regularly.
 

Governor Issues New Order for Grocery Stores and
Pharmacies, Bans Reusable Bags and Fees
 

The Order, issued on 3/25/20, impacts pharmacy and grocery store operations, including mandating alternative shopping hours for seniors, banning reusable bags, and other strategies to reduce exposure.

 

 
ESSENTIAL SERVICES: 
 

On March 23, Governor Baker issued an emergency order ordering nonessential businesses and organizations to close their physical workspaces and facilities to customers, workers and the public. PRESS RELEASE | ORDER | ESSENTIAL SERVICES LIST (Doc) | ASSEMBLAGE GUIDANCE | PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
 

COVID-19 WEBINAR: What Massachusetts Retailers Need to Know about Employment Law and COVID19

 
On Thursday, March 26th at 11:00 AM EDT, RAM members are invited to join Attorney Joshua Nadreau from Fisher Phillips’ Boston office to discuss what Massachusetts retailers need to know in the ever-changing legal landscape surrounding employers’ responses to COVID-19.
 
Topics will include the following:

  • COVID-19 workplace issues, including health and safety, employee privacy, remote workers, discrimination/harassment, and workers’ compensation
  • Employees leaves, including the recently-enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Layoffs and Furloughs – what is the difference and how do they impact wage-and-hour, unemployment eligibility, and health insurance?
  • Suspending Operations, WARN Act, Government-ordered shut-downs and other considerations.

 
Members interested in participating are asked to register by clicking here.

 

 

Federal Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Legislation
 

As reported by our national counterpart at the NRF, early this morning the White House announced a deal with the Senate on a new $2 trillion stimulus package. We are still awaiting the text and summary of the legislation. The Senate will vote on the bill today and the House will likely vote on the bill tomorrow. NRF will share a summary after we are able to review the actual text.