Related to: coronavirus
On Wednesday, October 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) expanded on the definition of “close contact” for purposes of tracing cases of COVID-19, based on a new study. Previously, the CDC’s definition of “close contact” included individuals who spent 15 minutes or more within six feet of an individual infected with COVID-19. Now,…
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On September 28, the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published thirteen questions and answers pertaining to public schools in the current COVID-19 environment. While this document is not legally binding, it gives insight into the OCR’s position on various new topics. The OCR references the newest CDC guidance which encourages local communities…
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In a previous Legal Update, we discussed the importance of ensuring that regular education teachers, including substitute teachers, have access to their students’ IEPs and are aware of the specific accommodations and/or modifications that must be provided pursuant to the IEP in the regular education setting. This is especially critical during the current COVID-19 pandemic, when…
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Today, September 22, 2020, Gov. Tony Evers declared a new Public Health Emergency and issued a new face covering Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors, except in a private residence or when no one else is present. Both orders are effective immediately and will expire on November 21, 2020 or with a…
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On Friday, September 11, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) released revised regulations for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). These changes were in part a response to the federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York that invalidated portions of the previous regulations as of August 3, 2020. The DOL’s revised…
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Today, July 30, 2020, Gov. Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors, except in a private residence. This order covers not only public locations like bars, restaurants, and stores, but also business settings like production facilities and offices. This order goes into…
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On April 15, 2020, Governor Evers signed 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 into law. This Legal Update focuses on the key provisions related to public school districts. 1. Accountability Reports The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is prohibited from publishing school and school district accountability reports in the 2020-21 school year. 2. Student Assessments a. Administration of Assessments. State…
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Late yesterday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued “Interim Guidance on Summer Camps”. The Interim Guidance states: “At this time, DHS recommends that congregate activities for children that are considered educational or enrichment programs, including residential summer camps, be postponed or canceled. COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout Wisconsin, and the state has not yet met…
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On March 27, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) extended the deadline by which most school districts and other eligible employers must restate their 403(b) plan documents. The new deadline is June 30, 2020. This new deadline is a welcome reprieve for employers who were not aware of the deadline or who were unable to complete…
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On Wednesday night, the Senate unanimously adopted the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. On March 27, 2020, the House of Representatives passed the CARES Act, which is now awaiting the President’s signature. The CARES Act is an unprecedented bill that will impact almost every area of the U.S. economy, including three specific…
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