News Digest 3-18-2020

Quote of the day

“As social distancing measures are enacted and events and projects across all sectors of the entertainment industry are cancelled, it’s become clear that the COVID-19 crisis requires decisive action from our federal government to support displaced entertainment workers.”

Matt Loeb, president, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

Deadline

 

 

Theatrical union exec asks for emergency relief

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees president Matt Loeb is asking for federal “emergency relief” for the thousands of entertainment industry workers who have suddenly lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. Loeb specifically is asking for new measures that would ensure continuity of health benefits; enhance and extend unemployment, disability, and workers’ compensation benefits, and provide emergency paid leave. Deadline

 

Pennsylvania employees affected by coronavirus may be eligible for workers’ comp

The Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor & Industry this week announced that employees who are impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits, if specified conditions are met. CBS21

 

Colorado considers paid family leave

For the fifth time in six years, the Colorado Legislature is looking at legislation that would require most employers to provide paid leave as a benefit. Supporters of paid family and medical leave assert the current coronavirus pandemic makes a strong argument for why it’s needed, but many business owners remain skeptical and say it could force layoffs. Denver Post

 

Virginia: Workers’ comp denied where employee did not use seatbelt

An employee who chose not to use a seatbelt in the company truck he was driving cannot recover workers’ compensation benefits for his crash-related injuries, the Virginia Court of Appeals has ruled. Virginia Lawyers Weekly [may require registration]

 

Ibuprofen should not be used for managing COVID-19 symptoms, say doctors and scientists

Scientists and senior doctors have backed claims by France’s health minister that people showing symptoms of COVID-19 should use acetaminophen rather than ibuprofen, which could exacerbate the condition. The complex role the immune system might play with respect to the disease has been underscored by reports Roche has secured approval from China for an anti-inflammation drug to treat patients developing severe complications. the bmj