Whitmer signs bills giving legal protections to businesses, workers during COVID-19 pandemic
Photo courtesy of the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed bills that define legal protections for businesses and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Bills 6030-6032 are meant to protect both workers from the spread of COVID-19 and businesses that implement necessary safety measures, according to Whitmer’s office.
The bills signed Thursday require employers to allow workers who are exposed to COVID-19 or exhibit symptoms of the virus to stay home.
Retaliation against employees who stay home when sick or exposed to the virus is prohibited under the bills.
The bills provide a minimum damages award of $5,000 for violations.
House Bills 6030-6032 also make clear that a business cannot be held liable for a person or worker becoming sick at the business if the business follows all relevant COVID-19 related statutes, orders, and rules issued at the federal, state and local levels.