FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

In early April 2021, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

Permanent Disability: The post-acute COVID-19 sequelae

The residuals of post-acute residuals of COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2) may result in compensable permanent disability for many individuals (long haulers). A recent study outlines the potential compensable sequelae.

Congressional Leaders Push CDC and OSHA to Address Aerosol Transmission of COVID-19

Congressional leaders wrote a letter to the Biden administration urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to update ventilation and respiratory protection guidance and standards to address aerosol transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

The Case for Vaccinating Educators

Educators might play a central role in in-school transmission networks. Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections through multifaceted school mitigation measures and COVID-19 vaccination of educators is a critical component of preventing in-school transmission.

Searching for Vaccine in NJ

NJ Commissioner of Health Judith Persichilli COVID-19 provided a status report yesterday on the status of vaccine distribution in NJ. 

HHS Amends PREP Act Declaration to Increase Workforce Authorized to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today issued the fifth amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to add additional categories of qualified persons authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CDC issues mandate on wearing of face masks while on conveyances and at transportation hubs

Many of the nation’s employers and employees will be impacted by a recent mask mandate promulgated by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This national Order will establish a uniform science and medical evidence strategy to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV2 (coronavirus) and the emerging spread of variants of the disease.

OSHA Issues Biden-Harris Administration Guidance to Protect Workers from COVID-19

Today, OSHA issued the long-anticipated Biden-Harris Administration guidance to protect workers from COVID-19. The action is consistent with President Biden's recently issued Executive Order to protect workers and ensure a safer workplace environment.

OSHA: Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety

Within hours of his inauguration, President Biden moved swiftly to direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promulgate an emergency standard to protect workers from COVID-19. The President signed an Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety on January 21, 2021.

National Strategy for The COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness

“Our national strategy will be driven by scientists and public health experts who will regularly speak directly to you, free from political interference as they make decisions strictly on science and public health alone.”  President Joe Biden, January 21. 2021

Is the workers' compensation system ready for the COVID-19 [coronavirus] virus? Live Updates

It seems that every decade a new pandemic emerges on the world scene, and complacency continues to exist in the workers’ compensation arena to meet the emerging challenges of infectious disease.

The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)

The Federal Government has a program to compensate those individuals who have suffered adverse reactions to the COVID-19 (SAR-CoV2) vaccines. The program is the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) established under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), 42 U.S.C. §§ 247d-6d, 247d-6e.

The major phases of COVID-19

 The major phases of Covid-19 have been posted in a diagram format by Dr. Daniel Griffin, MD Ph.D., on his Twitter account. The two major categories are the Viral Replication Period and the Inflammatory Period.

NJ Governor Phil Murphy’s Conditional Veto Message on Senate Bill No. 2354

Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. 2354 (Second Reprint) with my recommendations for reconsideration.

Protecting Workers During the Pandemic

Workplace safety is a significant issue in the waning days of the Trump Administration as Congress struggles to pass legislation before the end of the calendar year when CARES Act support terminates for many American workers. As the winter/holiday season coronavirus surge challenges hospital capacity and causing additional closure of non-essential jobs, the Republicans remain adamant about restricting lawsuits against employers.

Investigative Reporting: "Should NJ hospitals be required to tell public about staff COVID-19 outbreaks?"

Northjersey.com reporters Lindy Washburn and Dustin Racioppi have published an insightful.  investigative article on the incidence of COVIS-19 occurring in New Jersey hospitals.

Former Head of OSHA to Join Biden-Harris Transition Team

Workforce health continues to be focus of concern by the Biden-Harris Transition team. President-elect Joe Biden announced new members of the Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. 

Survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae

A recent study concludes that survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae. This reports reflects the potential for an increased surge of workers’ compensation claims attributed to exposure to coronavirus in the workplace.

The Biden Plan to Strengthen Safety in the Workplace Anticipated

As New Jersey re-implement stricter controls to contain the new surge the COVID-19, a stronger federal policy appears to be on the horizon from the incoming Biden Administration. Employers will need to prepare for the anticipated rules.

Strategies to Prevent COVID Clusters and Spreaders

This week’s episode of the Veterans Administration  Podcast “COVID in 20” focuses on important strategies to prevent workplace COVID clusters and super-spreaders. The experts were questioned by Dr. Chad Kessler, National Program Director for VHA [Veterans Health Administration] Emergency Medicine.