Gov. Inslee protects Washington’s high-risk employees during coronavirus pandemic
High-risk workers in Washington state now have the power to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic without jeopardizing their jobs or income, after a proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee.
“I remain very concerned about at-risk populations — older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” Inslee said in a news release about the proclamation. “This proclamation ensures vulnerable high-risk workers don’t have to endanger themselves for fear of losing their jobs or a paycheck.”
Under Inslee’s order, high-risk workers:
▪ Can choose an alternative work assignment or work remotely, if feasible, to promote social distancing guidelines.
▪ Can use accrued leave or unemployment benefits if an alternative work assignment is not possible. Employers must maintain health insurance benefits while high-risk employees are not working.
▪ Are protected from employers permanently replacing them if they can’t work due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high-risk individuals are specifically defined as being 65 or older or having underlying medical conditions, particularly if they are not well controlled.
This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 1:56 PM.
