COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

What is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on March 18th 2020. It is intended to help those affected by the coronavirus. It goes into effect by April 2nd 2020 and expires on December 31st 2020.

What does the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) cover?

The FFCRA applies to organizations with less than 500 employees (This includes Per Se). The key components are:

  • Expanded Paid Sick Leave 

    • Up to 80 hours of paid sick leave immediately available for full time employees (or the equivalent of the average number of hours over two weeks for part time employees) for COVID-19 related reasons. See Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act details below. 

  • Expanded FMLA 

    • For employees who are unable to work (or telework) due to a need to care for the employee’s child (under 18) if the child’s elementary or secondary school has been closed due to a coronavirus related “public health emergency” See Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Expansion details below. 

  • Expanded Unemployment

    • Access for employees who are off work due to reasons related to COVID-19. See Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020 details below.

Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act

What is covered under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act part of the FFCRA?

Employers with fewer than 500 employees (Per Se included) are to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for full time employees (or the equivalent of the average number of hours over two weeks for part time employees) if the employee is unable to work or telework for the following reasons:

  1. The employee is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19

  2. The employee has been advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19

  3. The employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking medical diagnosis

  4. The employee is caring for an individual who is subject to an order as described in item 1 or 2

  5. The employee is caring for their child if the school or place of care has been closed or their childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 precautions

  6. The employee is experiencing any other substantially similar conditions specified by the Secretary of HHS, in consultation with the Secretary of Treasury and Secretary of Labor

This paid sick leave is available immediately and is independent of any existing Paid Time Off if applicable. 

How much will I be paid for sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act?

For absences related to the employee’s own care (items 1-3 in the list above) the employee shall receive their regular rate of pay with a cap of $511 per day or $5110 in total. 

For absences related to care for other (items 4-6 in the list above) the employee shall receive two-thirds of their regular rate with a cap of $200 per day or $2000 in total. 

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Expansion

What changes have been made to the FMLA in response to COVID-19?

The FMLA has been amended to require that employers with fewer than 500 employers (This includes Per Se) provide employees that have been on the job for at least 30 days with 12 weeks of job-protected leave for qualifying COVID-19 related absences until December 31st 2020. 

What is a qualifying COVID-19 related absence?

An employee may use leave is the employee is unable to work (or telework) due to a need to care for the employee’s child under 18 years of age if the child’s school or other place of care has been closed, or the childcare provider is unavailable due to a public health emergency. 

Will I be paid under the FMLA expansion for a COVID-19 qualifying absence?

The first ten days of leave are covered under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. After the first ten days, the remaining time off, up to the 12 week maximum of FMLA leave, will be paid at two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate with a cap of $200 per day and $10,000 total. 

Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020

How has unemployment access been expanded with the FFCRA?

The Federal government has provided emergency funding to States to cover increased unemployment claims. The bill also requires that State unemployment eligibility requirements such as waiting periods and work search requirements be eased. 

Health & Safety

Where can I find the latest information from the CDC?

Here are two helpful CDC links:
About COVID-19
CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What are Per Se’s COVID-19 protocols?
  • Follow client specific COVID-19 protocols in addition to CDC’s guidelines.

  • If you are sick, stay home and notify Per Se and your direct manager/site supervisor.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing (if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). 

  • Avoid touching their eyes nose and mouth.

  • Practice social distancing and avoid contact completely with people who are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

What happens if I suspect that I or someone I know has COVID-19?

If you exhibit symptoms of the coronavirus, you should contact a health care professional per the CDC recommendations. If you have had close contact with someone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, you should call ahead to a health care professional and mention your close contact. Your health care professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for the coronavirus.

If you are sick you should stay home and follow CDC guidelines regarding self-quarantine. Please contact both Per Se and your direct supervisor if you stay home. 

Client Specific Work Locations

Will COVID-19 affect my work location in any way?

We are in constant communication with all of our clients regarding any updates they may have to their work sites. Many clients have site specific COVID-19 response plans and protocols in place, and we will communicate those updates to you as we receive them. It is important that you understand and follow all client specific guidelines in addition to the guidelines set forth by Per Se and as recommended by the CDC.

As always, your direct supervisor is the best resource for up to the minute information regarding your work site. If you have any questions about the protocols at your work location. Please contact your Per Se contact immediately. 

Health Insurance

What does my health insurance cover regarding COVID-19?

Only applicable if you have elected coverage. Please contact your health insurance carrier with specific coverage questions. 

If you elected the PPO plan, please contact Auxiantat:

Auxiant (PPO) 1-800-279-6772 www.auxiant.com

If you elected the MEC plan, please contact Everyday Care by Redirect Health:

Everyday Care (MEC) 1-888-407-7928 www.redirecthealth.com

Does my insurance plan have a telehealth option? 

Yes,Teladoc is an available service on our PPO plan. The MEC plan offers assistance over the phone as well.  

Teladoc (PPO) 1-800-DOC-CONSULT (362-2667) www.MyConsult.com

Everyday Care (MEC) 1-888-407-7928

Who do I contact if I have questions about benefits?

For additional questions or information about Insurance or benefits, please contact Human Resources at (630) 588-3000 or hr@persegroup.com.