Paid sick leave expansion takes effect as COVID-19 crisis intensifies

State Sen. Jessica Ramos sponsored a paid sick leave bill in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo courtesy of Ramos’ Office

By Victoria Merlino

Gov. Andrew Cuomo passed legislation Wednesday that would provide New Yorkers with paid sick leave if they are forced into a mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to COVID-19.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos introduced the bill in the State Senate as millions of New Yorkers face economic uncertainty after entertainment venues, bars and restaurants closed to customers for an unknown length of time .

Employers with 10 or fewer employees will have to provide unpaid sick leave. Businesses with between 11 and 99 employees will have to provide five days paid sick leave. Employers with over 100 employees will have to provide 14 days paid sick leave. There will also be no waiting period to file for unemployment. 

“Working families are the backbone of New York’s economy, and by providing each New Yorker with guaranteed paid sick leave, we’re no longer forcing people to choose between their health and paying for food, rent, or utilities,” Ramos said. “This is especially important in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency we’re facing, as employers require or advise their workers to self-quarantine.”