On Monday, March 23, Governor Inslee signed the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Executive Order, effective midnight, March 25. 

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is scheduled to publish a Federal Register notice requesting comments on the removal of Section 301 tariffs from Chinese medical-care products—including those that have been previously denied an exclusion—needed to respond to the COV

FDA has issued a new Guidance to address certain challenges to clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Guidance takes effect immediately and applies to clinical trials of drugs, biologics, and medical devices.

FDA has just published a new Guidance that will allow for the suspension of reporting of certain adverse event reports while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, California has taken the extraordinary action of limiting the regulatory enforcement of most licensed health facility requirements.

On March 18, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Senate 8091 providing for paid sick leave, family leave, and certain disability leave for employees affected by mandatory or precautionary orders to quarantine or isolate due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an Executive Order on Monday that closed all “non-essential businesses” across the State starting at 5 p.m. on March 23, 2020.

Current thinking from public health experts is that COVID-19 will affect the American economy for several months.

Arent Fox continues to monitor the latest scientific reports on COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus for issues that may be of general concern to our clients.  

Employers are facing many employment decisions regarding their workforce amid the COVID-19 crisis. H-1B employees have rules particular to them which employers should bear in mind. This e-alert highlights the issues to consider. 

FDA has just issued what it calls “FAQs on Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2” that provides information on which tests and which testing laboratories have received Emergency Use Authorization for the testing for the COVID-19 virus.

In response to an executive order by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Department of Public Health has issued an All Facilities Letter waiving hospital regulatory requirements and suspending regulatory enforcement until June 30, 2020, with certain exceptions.

As more and more states order businesses to close their physical locations because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, employers are being encouraged by the federal and state governments to work remotely and not have their employees report to worksites unless they fit into the definition of essential

On Friday, March 20, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7H, effective 8 PM, March 23. 

On March 19, 2020, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, issued Executive Order N-3-20, which put in place mandatory stay-at-home restrictions as part of an effort to help contain the novel coronavirus, for an indefinite period of time.

Yesterday, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order aimed at significantly slowing the community transmission of COVID-19. 

On March 13, 2020, the Division of Corporate Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission published guidance (Staff Guidance for Conducting Annual Meetings in Light of COVID-19 Concerns) to assist issuers of securities in navigating their legal requirements to hold annual meetings.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for, and a shortage of, hand sanitizer in the US.

Coronavirus Task Force Image

Found below is the current status for state and local orders impacting employers across the country.

Yesterday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a state-wide order aimed at promoting health and safety and reducing COVID-19’s spread. The order, which goes into effect today at 11:59 p.m., bans all gatherings of more than 10 people and mandates that certain non-essential businesses close. 

On Saturday, March 21, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 107, effective 9 PM that day. 

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order (the “Order”) that as of noon, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, “all businesses and organizations that do not provide ‘COVID-19 Essential Services’ [must] close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customer

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), an independent body that promotes cooperation and consistent application of data protection rules throughout the European Union, has released draft guidelines on connected vehicles and mobility-related applications.

As local and national governments take measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, trademark owners are facing potential difficulties with meeting prosecution and dispute deadlines.

Under a new rule effective on Monday, March 23, 2020, owners and operators of stationary sources are required to report qualifying accidental releases to the ambient air of hazardous substances to the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).