As most of you know, the 2020 Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) required paid leave for employees under certain COVID exposure circumstances. The FFCRA expired on December 31, 2020 and the recently signed Pandemic Relief Package does NOT extend these provisions. As of January 1, 2021 employers are NOT required to provide paid leave under the FFCRA and it will be optional. The bill does allow Private Employers an opportunity to claim tax credits for wages if they choose to pay employees taking leave consistent with the existing FFCRA guidelines between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021.
Employers should notify employees of this change in policy.