Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March, 2020, businesses have had to navigate many difficult issues related to the virus. My practice at Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian, P.C. involves representing business owners who are wrestling with these issues. During the past few months, clients have asked me questions such as:
- I have a customer who tested positive for COVID – what do I do?
- I have an employee who tested positive for COVID – what do I do?
- Does my business have to close if my employees test positive for COVID?
Addressing these issues is very difficult given the lack of clear guidance available to businesses and the many potential sources for such guidance. For instance, depending on where a business is located, various levels of government (e.g., state, city, town, etc.) may have enacted regulations that are applicable to a business. Additionally, depending upon the type of business (e.g., restaurant, retail, etc.), regulations may have been enacted to address particular concerns about that type of business.
A recent example of guidelines promulgated for a specific business sector is the City of Pittsfield’s guidelines for restaurants: COVID Food Establishment FAQ
These guidelines are welcome information for Pittsfield restaurant owners as they provide clear and specific answers to restaurants operating during COVID. In the near future, we hope that other business sectors (e.g., retail, service, etc.) will also receive similar guidance from the applicable governmental or regulatory bodies. Such guidance helps inform business owners of their rights and responsibilities as they operate their businesses during the COVID outbreak.
I can be contacted at (413) 443-6485 to discuss COVID issues related to your business. I look forward to speaking with you.