1. DWC

COVID-19 Resources and Workers’ Compensation

On September 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1159 which codified the COVID-19 presumption created by Executive Order N-62-20 and created two new rebuttable presumptions that an employee’s COVID-19 illness is an occupational injury and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if specified criteria are met. Employees who are sick can stay home and be provided workers’ compensation benefits, thereby reducing the spread of the virus to others at work and in the community. The law encourages employers to comply with all local health directives and guidance concerning safely reopening businesses to reduce risk of exposure and mitigate outbreaks in the workplace.

Resources

• Senate Bill 1159
  • Workers’ Compensation Presumption (SB 1159) Frequently Asked Questions
• Executive Order N-62-20
  • Questions and Answers on Executive Order N-62-20 – Updated May 18, 2020
• Injured Workers' Benefits

January 2023