The Tree Care Industry and COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. The virus has now spread beyond China's borders to dozens of countries, infecting over one hundred thousand people worldwide as of March 12, 2020. You can read what we know about COVID-19 here. As this virus begins to spread in the United States, businesses, employers, and employees need to be prepared for its potential impacts across the economy. Click here to read the latest guidance on stopping the spread of the coronavirus from the White House.

Putting Safety First

The safety of your employees and customers is your company’s top priority, and how you respond to health and safety concerns has a direct impact on employee confidence and morale. Take steps now to educate yourself and your employees, review your internal policies and procedures, and you will be better prepared for disruptive events like this in the future.

What is being done to fight COVID-19?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the developing situation. That said many lawmakers, industries, and small businesses are calling on Congress to pass additional stimulus measures as concerns rise that COVID-19 will hurt the economy more than previously expected.

Resources and Guidance

Here are some ways Tree Care Businesses can stay up to date and provide support until the virus is contained:

• The US Department of Labor (DOL) has put together this guidance on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. We strongly encourage our members to become familiar with the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, and to review the Department of Labor page closely.
• Visit the CDC’s website often for a comprehensive overview of the novel coronavirus. Arming yourself with accurate information from a reliable source will help lessen the spread of false or exaggerated information.
  • Through the CDC, you will find the latest situation updates, information on Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe, and other relevant resources.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a suite of programs designed to help small businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. These funding programs should be closely reviewed by all tree care companies adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Learn more by visiting the SBA Coronavirus Relief website here.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a website providing information to workers and employers on the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers with questions about OSHA enforcement, standards, hazard identification, and more can visit this website here. Some highlights include:
  • OSHA’s Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • COVID-19 Hazard Recognition
  • Key OSHA Standards relating to COVID-19
• Similarly, the Wage and Hour Division is providing information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, including effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
  • Share your organization’s policies and procedures with employees as soon as possible to avoid confusion and unnecessary risks. 
• Review your company’s sick leave policy. Employees that show cold or flu-like symptoms should stay home and away from others and should be tested promptly. Advise employees when applicable that health insurance providers have waived co-payments associated with testing. Employers are encouraged to be flexible with sick employees or those who are caring for a sick family member. 
  • DO NOT require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who request sick time, as providers’ offices will be very busy in the case of an outbreak. If you or an employee does visit a healthcare provider’s office, the CDC strongly recommends calling ahead.