News Digest 4-9-2020

Quote of the day

“They risk themselves each and every day, and because of their duties, our first responders are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.”

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson

WGEM

 

 

COVID-19: Minnesota lawmakers approve workers’ comp for first responders

The Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday approved a proposal to allow emergency responders to collect workers’ compensation for job-related coronavirus. Brainerd Dispatch [may require registration]

 

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission closed for possible COVID-19

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission headquarters was closed Tuesday until further notice, after an employee reported symptoms of COVID-19. A commission official said the sick employee had been working remotely since March 20 and reported symptoms afterward. Richmond Times-Dispatch

 

Missouri governor announces workers’ compensation for first responders

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Tuesday that he has directed the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to implement an emergency rule that will ensure first-responders who contract COVID-19 have workers’ compensation coverage. WGEM (Quincy, Ill.)

 

Washington L&I offering grace period to pay workers’ comp premiums

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries is providing emergency relief to employers to pay workers’ compensation premiums during the coronavirus outbreak. Employers can request for their payment to be deferred for up to 90 days, or can ask for a 90-day payment plan. Northern Kittitas County Tribune

 

Family of Chicago-area Walmart employee files COVID-related wrongful death lawsuit

The surviving family of a Chicago-area Walmart employee alleges the company ignored the employee’s COVID-19 symptoms and failed to notify other employees that their colleague may have contracted the virus, before he died March 25 at 51 years of age. Morbid obesity was a contributing factor, the medical examiner’s office determined. Chicago Tribune