On April 23rd, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced additions to their technical assistance guidance, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” providing employers with crucial information on how to avoid possible workplace discrimination claims during the coronavirus pandemic.
Provided in a “question and answer” format, the frequently updated resource covers topics important to employers today dealing with the employment ramifications of COVID-19. The subject matter discussed all falls under the EEOC’s enforcement of workplace anti-discrimination laws including:
- the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
- the Rehabilitation Act;
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII);
- the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA); and
- the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
Specific COVID-19-related information within the guidance includes:
- Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Exams;
- Hiring and Onboarding;
- Reasonable Accommodations;
- Pandemic-Related Harassment; and
- Returning to Work
The EEOC wants to remind employers that all EEO laws are in full effect during the time of the global coronavirus pandemic. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, so does the guidance provided by the EEOC and other government agencies. To keep up to date on any releases involving workplace anti-discrimination laws during this uncertain time, employers can visit the EEOC Newsroom webpage for any new and important information.