COVID-19 Developments

We are all in this together and while we are all working remotely, please know that we’re here for you in these unprecedented times. The impact of COVID-19 is changing at a rapid pace. One thing that will not change is our commitment to helping our friends, our clients, and our colleagues.

Dickinson Wright created a COVID-19 Resource Guide as an easy-to-use document for businesses and individuals. We thank our knowledgeable authors and contributors, who provided their time and talent to produce these articles. The COVID-19 Resource Guide (Updated January 2022) can be downloaded by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Dickinson Wright attorney.

Below are services and resources available to help your business navigate this challenging time:

COVID-19 Articles:

Below are the latest articles and blog posts written by Dickinson Wright attorneys concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Travel Restrictions and New Requirements for Air Travel

• Private Employer Vaccine Mandate Moves Forward as Sixth Circuit Dissolves Fifth Circuit’s OSHA ETS Stay

• Wait, Wait…Don’t Sell Me! FDA and Other Pre-Market Considerations for Commercial Products

• U.S. Land Border Reopens to Non-Essential Vaccinated Travelers November 8

• The Private Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate is Here: What Employers Need to Know

• COVID-19 Vaccinations Lead to November 8 Reopening of U.S. to Foreign Travelers and Land Border Restriction Modifications

• HIPAA Considerations for Covered Entity Employers Seeking Employee Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

• COVID-19 Surge Medical Leave Refresher for Employers

• Why President Biden’s Plan to Vaccinate the Unvaccinated in Private Employment is a Lot of Buzz, but Likely Little Sting

• COVID-19 Vaccinations Required for Green Card and Immigrant Visa Medical Exams Starting October 1, 2021

• Coronavirus Tax Relief: Treatment of Amounts Paid to Section 170© Organizations under Employer Leave-based Donation Programs to Aid Victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Remote Work Policy: Immigration And Post-COVID

• Are Mandatory Vaccines Included in Back To "Normal"?

• HHS Announces the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Assistance Fund

• Department of Justice Increases Focus on COVID-19 Fraud

• States Relax COVID-19 Restrictions on Businesses as Summer Approaches

• FDA Authorization of COVID Vaccines - What Does it Mean?

• No Shoes, No Shirt, No Mask, No Service

• New Stimulus Bill Creates Small Claims Copyright Court

• The Department of Labor Cements Telehealth Visits for FMLA Purposes as the New Normal

• Can Employers Make Employees Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
• EEOC Confirms Employers Can Mandate Employees Have the COVID-19 Vaccine…With Restrictions
• It’s Official, the FFCRA Expires this Year. Tax Credits Available to Employers That Voluntarily Provide Paid Leave for COVID-19 Absences
• COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Shelf Life Update (Through Jan. 1, 2020)
• The DOL’s Updated Guidance on the Expired FFCRA—It Will Still Enforce Pre-December 31, 2020 FFCRA Violations
• New Stimulus Bill Creates Small Claims Copyright Court
• New OSHA Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace
  Deductions Available for Certain Expenses Paid with PPP Loan Proceeds
• Unmasking COVID’s Second Wave: ‘Deals’ in Masks, Gloves, Cleaning and other Solutions Present Contracting, Audit, Regulatory and Enforcement Risks - Webinar
• $50 Million in Funding Available for Small Businesses in Tennessee
• Dickinson Wright COVID-19 Resource Guide
• The OIG’s FAQs Related to COVID-19
• Educators Still Required to Comply With New Title IX Regulations by August 14, 2020
• UPDATE: To Disclose or Not to Disclose: Why Businesses Should Not Stay Silent Amid COVID-19
• Updated Information Regarding the $200 Million in Funding Available for Small Businesses Through New Tennessee Business Relief Program
• SEC Issues Supplemental COVID-19 Guidance on Disclosure Considerations Relating to Operations, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
• Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Processing Halted by Presidential Proclamation - Effective June 24 for Certain Nonimmigrants
• Trademark Applications Covering COVID-19 Related Goods and Services Can Skip the Line
• Cross-Border Travel Between the U.S. and Mexico/Canada – Non-Essential Travel Restrictions Extended to June 22, 2020
• $200 Million in Funding Available for Small Businesses Through New Tennessee Business Relief Program
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 9: Additional Flexibility for Cafeteria Plans; Increase in Health FSA Carryover Amount 
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 8: COBRA Complications
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 7: What Do Layoffs, Leaves, and Furloughs Mean for Retirement Plans?
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 6: Special Considerations for Mid-Year Changes to Cafeteria Plan Elections
• Low Interest Rates and Asset Values: A Special Opportunity for Leveraged Lifetime Transfers
• Benefits Briefs in the Time Of COVID-19, Part 5: Suspending or Reducing 401(K) Safe Harbor Contributions
• Post-COVID Opportunities and Legal Considerations to Franchise Resale 
• 7 Tips for Sheltering in Place with Your Spouse During a Divorce
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 4: Reimbursement of Over-the-Counter Medications
• COVID-19: Unemployment Benefits for Temporary Foreign Workers
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 3: Layoffs/Furloughs and Excise Taxes Under the Affordable Care Act
• Benefits Briefs in the Time Of COVID-19, Part 2: Temporary Expansion of Educational Assistance Programs to Cover Employees’ Student Loan Debt
• COVID-19 Return-to-Work Checklist from an Employment Law Perspective
• Benefits Briefs in the Time of COVID-19, Part 1: Federal Agencies Relax Summary of Benefits and Coverage (“SBC”) Disclosure Deadlines
• IRS Provides Relief for Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Travel Disruptions 
• Limitation of Liability During the Coronavirus Pandemic 
• New Deadlines for Retirement Plans, Tax Filings and Paid Leave Policies
• $484 Billion Small Business Coronavirus Relief Bill Summary 
• Dealing with Your Obligations to Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic 
• UPDATE -- SBA Adds Guidance Regarding Necessity Certification Under the Paycheck Protection Program
• The Virus and Virtual Parenting
• Copyright Office Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
  
• Expired State Identity Documents Temporarily Accepted for Form I-9 List B and the Case-by-Case Remote Form I-9 Completion Risk
• Maintaining Trade Secrets Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing Imposed by Presidential Proclamation - Effective April 23 for Sixty Days at Consular Posts
• The United States Issues 90 Day Customs Duties Deferral for Companies Experiencing Significant Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19
• COVID-19 and the World of Commercial Leases: Force Majeure and Related Common Law Doctrines 
• Relief for Partnerships
• Parenting Plans During A Pandemic: 5 Tips For Complying With Parenting Orders
• Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Waivers for COVID-19
• Practical Business Issues And COVID-19 
• IRS Announces Extension of Certain Tax Filing and Payment Obligations 
• An Employer’s Guide to the Employee Benefits Provisions of the CARES Act and Other COVID-19 Benefits Concerns - Webinar 
• To Disclose or Not to Disclose: Why Businesses Should Not Stay Silent Amid COVID-19
• USPTO Pandemic Response 
• Business Interruption Insurance, Captives, and Coronavirus - Webinar
• COVID-19 and Its Impact on Performance of Commercial Leases: A Review of Force Majeure, Impossibility of Performance, and Frustration of Purpose 
• Price Gouging During the COVID-19 Crisis
• US-China Trade Alert - Is Now The Time To Pick Up The Plowshare: Personal reflections on COVID-19 and the Trade Peace
• DOJ and FTC Announce Expedited Antitrust Review Procedure and Guidance In Response To COVID-19 
• COVID-19 Poses Increased Cybersecurity Risks to Employers and Businesses
• Can I Still Get a Divorce During a Pandemic?
• Religious Institutions v. COVID-19: Why Religious Institutions Should Think Twice Before Live Streaming 
• COVID-19: The Essential Need-to-Know Guide for Employers and Employees
• CARES Act Expands Funding and Medicare Coverage for Telehealth Services 
• IRS Designates April 1, 2020 as the Beginning Date for Credits for Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave
• FFCRA Playbook: Tackling the DOL's Guidance - Webinar
• Temporary Authority of Director of the USPTO During the COVID-19 Emergency
• Even COVID-19 Can’t Stop The Scammers
• SEC Issues Guidance Regarding Disclosure Obligations in Light of COVID-19 
• Temporary Relaxation of Supervision and Credential Requirements for Healthcare Providers
• Managing Uncertainty Through Financial Crisis Requires Proactive Guidance
• Employers’ Top Burning Questions About the DOL’s Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Answered
• A Realistic Survival Option For Small Businesses – Relief Under The Small Business Reorganization Act
• M&A Practices in a Post-COVID-19 World
• Critical COVID-19 Guidance for Certain Foreign Workers
• The Crisis Lurking Within: Force Majeure and the Coronavirus 
• Am I An Essential Traveler Between Canada and the U.S. or Mexico and the U.S?
• IRS Provides Details on the Extension of the April 15 Filing Date
• FDA Takes Steps to Address Critical Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment
• What to Expect When You're Expecting the Expanded PJM Minimum Offer Price Rule
• Tax Return Filing Deadline Extended; Tax Credits Made Available for Small and Midsize Employers
• Update on Rapidly Changing Telehealth Developments
• DHS Announces Remote I-9 Completion and Suspension of Audit Responses Due to COVID-19
• Employer Actions for 401(K) Plans Sickened by Coronavirus
• Employers’ Top 10 Burning Questions About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Answered
• Estate Planning Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
• FAQs Regarding the Coronavirus and Health Care Providers - Updated 3/24/20
• SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
• Treasury Secretary Announces Extension of Time to Make Tax Payments
• Pandemic Workplace Response: Now What? - Webinar
• ESTA Cancellation Risks and the Schengen Travel Presidential Proclamation
• High Deductible Health Plans and Expenses Related to COVID-19
• Contractors: Are You Protected From The Coronavirus Infecting The Project Schedule?
• Update on Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions and Quarantine Now Extended to Certain Travelers from Iran
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Precautions for Employers

CARES Act Articles:

• SBA Guidance on PPP Borrowers: Transfers of Equity and Assets 
• Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Modifies Paycheck Protection Program
• CARES Act Increased Funding for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund 
• Summary: SBA Financial Assistance Under the CARES Act 
• The CARES Act: Changes Specifically Impacting Health Care Providers and Suppliers
• What Health Care Providers and Suppliers Need to Know About the New Paycheck Protection Program Under the CARES Act 
• CARES Act Expands Funding and Medicare Coverage for Telehealth Services 
• SUD Program Privacy Rules Modified by CARES ACT
• Employee Benefits Provisions in the CARES Act Provide Employer and Participant Relief
• UPDATED: Congress Passes the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”)
• Summary of Employee Benefits Provisions in CARES Act (As Passed by U.S. Senate)

Canada Articles:

• UPDATE (March 1, 2021) – New COVID-19 Public Health Measures in Effect in Ontario 
• 2021 HR Check List For Ontario Employers 
• Update on Ontario's Second State of Emergency Order – New Restrictions in Ontario in the Fight Against COVID-19 – Effective January 14, 2021
• Can a Purchaser Void a Contract Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic?
• UPDATED: CERB Replacement Bill is Approved by House of Commons
• CIPO Pandemic Response: NEW Deadline Extension is August 28, 2020*
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Final Deadline Extension Ends August 21, 2020*
  
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Update July 6, 2020*
• Protecting Small Business Act 2020
• CEWS and CERB Extension of Government Aid: Update to April 11, 2020 Publication
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Update June 15, 2020*
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Update June 1, 2020
• Electronic Corporate Filings and Virtual Shareholder Meetings for Ontario Corporations
• CECRA Update | May 22, 2020 
• The Federal Government Announced New Measures to Assist Seniors During the COVID-19 Pandemic 
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Update May 15, 2020* 
• Canada’s Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CERCA)
• COVID-19 Return-to-Work Checklist from a Canadian Employment Law Perspective 
• Ontario Government Issues Order to Temporarily Ease Shareholder and Director Meeting Requirements Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic 
• CMHC Comments on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program 
• Canada Lifts Restrictions Against Gaming Companies’ Ability to Utilize Co-Lending Program 
• CIPO Pandemic Response: Update April 28, 2020* 
• New Details about the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program and the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program  
• Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19 in Ontario
• Virtual Witnessing of Wills and POAs During COVID-19
• Is Now the Right Time for an Estate Freeze? 
• Wanted In Canada: Manufacturers and Suppliers to Address COVID-19 
• Can a Force Majeure Clause be relied upon in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic? - Canada 
• Ontario Lifting Suspension Of Lien Periods
• COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Bill Received Royal Assent On April 11, 2020
• COVID-19 Guide for Seniors 
• New Additions for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Assists Tech and Start-Up Companies 
• CIPO Pandemic Response and Canada’s New Compulsory Patent Licensing Provisions
• Province Releases Updated List of “Essential” Workplaces, Directing Additional Closures and Restrictions During COVID-19 State of Emergency
• Canadian Tax Measures Update 
• UPDATED: Canada Provides Expanded Relief To All Businesses Responding To COVID-19 Pandemic
• COVID-19: The Essential Need-to-Know Guide for Employers and Employees
• Canada Provides Expanded Relief To All Businesses Responding To COVID-19 Pandemic 
• Canadian Securities Law Update - Temporary Exemptive Relief from Certain Securities Regulatory Filing Requirement during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Ontario Closing Non-Essential Businesses Effective at Midnight Tonight
• Canadian COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

China Articles:

• Congress Restricts Chinese-Owned US Companies in Second PPP Loan Program | 美国国会第二轮薪资保障计划限制在美中资公司
• President Trump Renews Threat of Tariffs Against China in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic | 特朗普总统重申对中国加征关税的威胁应对新冠疫情的大流行 
• CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PRECAUTIONS FOR EMPLOYERS | 新型冠状病毒疫情雇主需注意事项
• US-China Trade Alert - USTR Considers Removing Additional Duties from MedicalCare Products from Section 301 Tariffs to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak

Michigan Articles:

• Electronic Public Meetings – Time-Sensitive Steps For Local Units of Government To Take Now In The Face of Uncertain Future Legislative and Administrative Action
• An Exception to the Rule: New Provisions Regarding Where Personal Property Is To Be Assessed This Tax Season in Michigan
• Michigan Passes Law Allowing Remote Witnesses and Remote Notarizations
• Governor Whitmer Signs COVID-19 Legislation Applicable to All Employers
• Michigan Governor Rescinds Some and Extends Other Scope of Practice Rules
• Michigan Expands Telehealth Coverage
• Governor Whitmer Extends Dates for Some 2020 Property Tax Assessment Appeals
• Employers: Are You Following Michigan’s New Mandatory Employee Safety Requirements?
• Michigan’s New COVID-19 Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities 
• Governor Whitmer Extends Job Protected Leave to Employees Related to COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure 
• Michigan Governor Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• Michigan and Ohio Have Issued New Unemployment Rules Relating to COVID-19

Nevada Articles:

• Nevada Remains Open While Pausing Measures To Expand Reopening: Emergency Directive 35 Revives Sanitization and Social Distancing RequirementsSBA Guidance on PPP Borrowers: Transfers of Equity and Assets 
• Re-Open for Nevada: Nevada OSHA Issues Guidelines for Nonessential Nevada Businesses Resuming Operations
• Esports in the Time of Physical Distancing
• Open for Business in a Pandemic: Guidelines for How to Safely Reopen and Maintain a Business 
• Stay Home for Nevada: Nevada Emergency Directive 016 Loosens and Modifies Restrictions for Nonessential Businesses and Various Activities 
• Nevada State and Local Governments Make Licensing and Permit Accommodations to Help Businesses Amid the COVID-19 Crisis
• As Federal Aid for the Gaming Industry Lags in the US, Gaming Properties Prepare for Eventual Re-Opening 
• Stay Home for Nevada: Nevada Emergency Directive 013 Tightens Sanitization/Social Distancing and Adds Enforcement Teeth 
• COVID-19 Impact on Contractual Relationships under Nevada Law 
• All Quiet on the Las Vegas Strip: Compliance Considerations for the COVID-19 Shutdown in Nevada

Ohio Articles:

• Michigan and Ohio Have Issued New Unemployment Rules Relating to COVID-19

Cross Border Articles: 

• Dealing with Your Obligations to Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  
• The United States Issues 90 Day Customs Duties Deferral for Companies Experiencing Significant Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19
• Wanted In Canada: Manufacturers and Suppliers to Address COVID-19
• Practical Business Issues And COVID-19
• COVID-19: The Essential Need-to-Know Guide for Employers and Employees
• UPDATED: Canada Provides Expanded Relief To All Businesses Responding To COVID-19 Pandemic
• COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

Services: