HR Hotline: Is Paid Sick Leave Required When an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19?

Q: Are we required to provide paid sick leave to an employee who tests positive for COVID-19?

A: No.  This is a change from federal policy when the coronavirus first arrived.

The federal Families First Coronavirus Relief Act required employers to provide paid sick leave for COVID-related issues between April and December of 2020.

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2021, employers could still provide paid leave and they would get a tax break on their payroll taxes. 

Currently there is no program for paid leave and the coronavirus.

If an employer has employees who are sick with COVID-19, they should rely on internal employer policies.

For example, if an employer offers a PTO plan, an employee should use PTO. 

Still, employers can have their own policy to provide employees with a certain number of days of paid leave if an employee tests positive for the coronavirus or is in quarantine.

HR problems or issues? Email or call CBIA’s Diane Mokriski at the HR Hotline (860.244.1900) | @HRHotline. The HR Hotline is a free service for CBIA member companies.