The Biden administration announced that it will end the public health emergency for COVID-19 on May 11, 2023, which means that pandemic-related benefits, including paid sick leave, will also expire..
Paid sick leave was an essential support during the pandemic, allowing workers to stay home when they were sick or needed to care for a sick family member without losing their income. However, with the public health emergency ending, employers will no longer be required to provide paid sick leave to their employees..
This could have a significant impact on low-wage workers, who are more likely to have jobs that do not offer paid sick leave. Without access to paid sick leave, these workers may be forced to choose between going to work sick and potentially spreading illness or losing a day’s wages. This could lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and a higher risk of workplace outbreaks..
The end of pandemic-related benefits will also affect workers who have long-term COVID symptoms. These individuals may need to take time off work for medical appointments, rehabilitation, or to manage their symptoms. Without paid sick leave, they may be unable to afford to take the time off they need, which could jeopardize their health and recovery..
Additionally, the end of the public health emergency could lead to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. If workers are not able to take paid sick leave when they are sick, they may be more likely to spread the virus to their coworkers and customers..
Some advocates are calling on the government to extend the public health emergency or to implement permanent paid sick leave legislation. They argue that paid sick leave is a vital public health measure that helps to protect workers, their families, and the community as a whole..
However, it is unclear whether the government will take any action to extend paid sick leave. The Biden administration has not yet announced any plans to do so, and Congress has not passed any legislation on the matter..
As a result, it is likely that pandemic-related benefits, including paid sick leave, will end on May 11, 2023. This could have a significant impact on low-wage workers, individuals with long-term COVID symptoms, and the overall public health..
