{ Banner Image }

Coronavirus Pandemic/Crisis Support Task Force

The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing nations, states, businesses, organizations, and municipalities to quickly implement operational continuity plans which in turn are raising issues that have not had to be previously addressed.   

Foster Swift has established a Coronavirus Pandemic/Crisis Support Task Force prepared to help clients promptly address issues, comply with the law, mitigate risk and focus on keeping our clients, staff and communities healthy and safe.

Many of these are legal questions relating to contracts, continuity of operations (including employment questions) and compliance with laws and executive orders. The nature of the situation can be overwhelming. We can assist you with evaluating your situation and identifying and implementing the best, most legally compliant course of action for your organization, given the present circumstances. 

Below we've summarized some matters we have already assisted our clients with regarding the Coronavirus:   

  • Assisted client regarding contracts and continuity of operations – Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients prepare disaster and pandemic plans as well as emergency preparedness. In contract review situations, we have analyzed and advised on potential breaches of contract and force majeure/Act of God defenses. Most recently, we assisted a large convention center to determine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its agreements with clients, vendors, and other third parties.
  • Cyber Security – as many of our clients prepare to accommodate working remotely, we have reviewed remote access systems and policies to address and minimize cybersecurity risks. As organizations consider this, it is important to remember that applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements that mandate data protection and confidentiality do not become inapplicable in a national health crisis. An employer that is working quickly to start or ramp up remote work capabilities should confirm that their remote work system adequately protects against relevant cybersecurity risks and complies with relevant rules and best practices. Now is a good time for employers to remind employees to remain vigilant of phishing and related schemes designed to permit unauthorized access to cybercriminals.
  • Employment - Employers have many factors to consider regarding the current pandemic. Foster Swift’s attorneys can assist you in the evaluation of your specific circumstances relative to COVID-19 and the all-important communication of information to employees. Some of the key areas to cover include: employment issues, company employment policies including attendance and travel, and benefit issues relating to leaves of absence to name a few. 
  • Family Law – At time of publishing, different courts, including Friend of the Court, are following different practices. We have helped clients address specific issues such as if a minor child’s court-ordered visit with a father at his convalescent home is now unable to do so because of facility lock-down.
  • Governmental and Regulatory Compliance - Foster Swift attorneys have assisted clients with implementing coronavirus guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This includes recent CMS guidance for nursing homes and hospices.
  • Health Care – Our health care attorneys have assisted health care facilities and providers in developing and implementing disaster plans and emergency preparedness plans. This included assisting health care facilities with development of policies related to visitor policies; admission policies; infection control policies, isolation and contact policies. Facilities need to be implementing and revising these policies per guidance from governmental authorities. We can assist with regulatory compliance and revising of these policies in light of the ever-changing situation with this virus. As social distancing is key we are experienced in the array of legal issues relating to telemedicine.
  • HIPAA – Compliance is a key concern of our clients when it comes to HIPAA.  We regularly advise clients and review HIPAA authorizations and release of medical records as well as counseling health care facilities regarding potential HIPAA violations and whether they are reportable. With the trend to work remotely, this will become more complicated.
  • Immigration - Employers with workers in the U.S. on employment-based visas, especially H-1B beneficiaries, should consult with immigration counsel prior to relocating such workers or permitting them to work from home. There are visa category specific restrictions and planning issues to consider whenever a worker might work off-site.
  • Municipalities & Other Public Entities - Coronavirus concerns and related restrictions have created unique legal issues for public bodies, such as whether (and how) to close or restrict access to public buildings while still ensuring that local government business is timely accomplished. The Open Meetings Act (OMA) remains applicable even in a state of emergency, so municipalities may seek guidance on remote meeting attendance, requirements for rescheduling meetings, and other tips to avoid large gatherings while still complying with the OMA. Public employers must also address the issues that are arising as more employees stay home due to sickness or to care for children while schools are closed.

Foster Swift's lawyers are ready to help with these urgent and novel questions related to the coronavirus. If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your Foster Swift attorney or one of our coronavirus coordinators as listed below:

Recent Blog Posts

Publications & Alerts

View More

Events

News

Lansing
Southfield
Grand Rapids
Detroit
Holland