Executive Order Extending Civil Immunity to Healthcare Providers

Over the past several weeks, Governor Tom Wolf’s administration has taken actions to remove regulatory barriers in order to supplement the health care provider workforce and ensure the availability of sufficient personnel to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.  In an effort to ensure adequate legal protection for health care practitioners, on May 6, 2020, Governor Wolf […]

Webinar: Tips for International Trade in Covid-19 Era

On Tuesday, May 19 at 11 am, FLB International Business & Trade Law attorney Timothy D. Charlesworth will be presenting “Tips for International Trade in the COVID-19 Era,” in conjunction with LEXNET and the Lehigh University Small Business Development Center. Topics will include: Distributor Agreements Logistics Challenges Delays at Ports Changes in Export Rules Exporting […]

PA Construction Sites, Marinas, Golf Courses and Campgrounds Set To Re-Open on May 1

Due to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), on March 19, 2020, Tom Wolf, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, issued an emergency Order mandating the closure of all “non-life-sustaining” businesses. Enforcement of the Order went into effect on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Since that time, several […]

Update on PA Courts & Closures

On Tuesday April 28, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court updated its previous Orders, directing that the previously declared judicial emergency is extended through June 1, 2020. However, the Court also ordered that, beginning on May 4, 2020, the Courts shall be open to conduct business. At the same time, the Order directs that in-person access […]

Back to Business: Employment Law Considerations Now and After the “Great Cessation”

On Monday, May 4 at 11 am, FLB Employment Law & Labor Relations attorneys Jacob M. Sitman and Stephanie A. Koenig will be presenting “Back to Business: Employment Law Considerations Now and After the ‘Great Cessation’”, in conjunction with The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Topics will include: Reviewing Return to Work Policies Rehiring […]

Construction Sites to Reopen on May 1 – Guidance for the Construction Industry

Under new guidelines issued by the Wolf Administration in Pennsylvania, construction projects can reopen this Friday, May 1, 2020, as long as they observe social distancing rules. Previously, the Governor had ordered most construction projects to temporarily close down unless they were supporting life-sustaining businesses or were granted an exemption from the general “stay at […]

Paycheck Protection Program and Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Grants Re-Funded

Today, April 24, 2020, President Trump signed into law an amendment to the CARES Act relating to additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Emergency Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) grants, and other disaster loans.  Specifically, the amendment provides for an extra $310B in funding for PPP and $10B for EIDL grants.  Additionally, $50B in […]

Review of Pennsylvania Senate Bill 841 and Related Scheduled Business Openings (April 24)

(Updated April 24, 2020) On April 20, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 841 into law and announced the first few incremental changes toward opening up Pennsylvania after its shutdown to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Governor Wolf announced the restart of construction projects statewide starting Friday, May 1, curbside pickup of […]

DOL Commences Enforcement Of Paid Leave Laws

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires employers with less than 500 employees to provide leave to employees due to certain COVID-19 qualifying reasons. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) set April 1, 2020, as the effective date for employers to implement the FFCRA’s regulatory requirements, but deferred enforcement of the law 30 days […]