Many in the construction industry are concerned about the widespread effects of COVID-19 as it relates to fulfilling their contractual duties and obligations.

In the short time since the pandemic arrived, and as we have been reporting, the federal government and the states have adopted a variety of new statutes, regulations, and guidance with which employers must become conversant. This alert focuses on key new developments for New Jersey employers.

With the courts around the country cancelling jury trials and issuing special or emergency orders that severely limit in-person hearings during this time of the “social distancing” and shelter-at-home orders, many businesses are worried that if they need to obtain injunctive relief, they may not be able to get it. 

On March 25, 2020, the State of Washington Office of Insurance Commission issued a letter to all authorized property and casualty insurers titled “Special Data Call Relating to Business Interruption and Related Commercial Coverage Written in Washington State.”

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, commercial landlords and tenants find themselves in an unprecedented situation fraught with uncertainty. Government mandated business closures and wide spread shelter in place orders have caused substantial disruptions to both the economy and the way we live.

On March 25, 2020, Governor Polis issued Executive Order D 2020-017, ordering Coloradans to stay at home due to the presence of COVID-19 in the State.

Signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) (Public law No. 116-36) amends numerous provisions of federal tax law affecting both businesses and individuals. Many of the changes aim to help taxpayers conserve or generate cash, either prospectively or by amending prior years’ tax returns. 

The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue a declaration to provide liability immunity to certain individuals and entities against any claim of loss caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the manufacture, distribution, administration, or use of medical countermeasures, except for claims involving “willful misconduct.”