COVID-19 and the Workforce: December 18, 2020

COVID-19 and the Workforce: December 18, 2020

TOP HEADLINES 

What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws 
EEOC – December 16, 2020 
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offered new guidance on Wednesday that answers workplace vaccination questions.  

Weekly Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Rise, Hit Highest Level Since Early September 
CNBC – December 17, 2020 
Jobless claims unexpectedly rose last week as states reimposed coronavirus restrictions as lawmakers struggle to push through new government aid, according to a Labor Department report Thursday. 

Here’s Who’s Hiring Right Now 
LinkedIn – December 17, 2020 
Companies from industries spanning from technology to retail are hiring to meet increased demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a regularly updated list of companies hiring right now. 

What’s New from the CDC 
Keep up with all the latest information on COVID-19 directly from the resources created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

GLOBAL NEWS 

AUSTRALIA 
Australia November Jobs Soar Again in Boost to Economic Recovery 
Reuters – December 16, 2020  
Australian jobs surpassed expectations again in November, pushing the unemployment rate lower in a sign massive monetary and fiscal stimulus was bearing fruit after the country brought the coronavirus pandemic under control. 

CANADA 
Canada Approves the Vaccine Made by Pfizer and BioNTech, Shots May Begin Next Week 
The New York Times – December 11, 2020  
Canada has approved the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech, its drug regulator said on Wednesday, opening the possibility that Canadians will start receiving it next week. 

INDIA 
Coronavirus Live Updates: COVID-19 Cases in India Are Steadily Coming Down, Says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan 
Times of India – December 17, 2020 
India’s total cases have risen to 99,56,558 with 355 new deaths. Total active cases now stand at 3,22,366. The total number of discharged cases, according to updated health ministry data on Thursday are 94,89,740 with 33,291 new discharges in the last 24 hours. 

UNITED KINGDOM 
Toughest COVID-19 Rules Extended to Much of South England 
AP News – December 17, 2020 
Large parts of southern England will be placed under the country’s strictest coronavirus restrictions from this weekend, Britain’s health secretary said Thursday, as infections and hospital admissions continue to surge in those areas. 

UNITED STATES 
Bouncing Back (and Forth): Statewide Reopening and Mitigation Steps 
Littler – December 17, 2020 
This chart provides links to key reopening orders and/or mitigation measures issued in recent weeks, at the statewide level. Employers should bear in mind that these materials typically offer detailed instructions, which often vary by industry. 

POLAND 
Poland to Enter National Quarantine Starting Dec. 28 to Fight COVID-19 
Reuters – December 17, 2020 
Poland will enter a national quarantine from Dec. 28-Jan. 17 that will include the closure of hotels, ski slopes and shopping malls, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said on Thursday, with businesses expected to get 40 billion zlotys in support. 

Post by Jasmine Patel

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