Michigan Bans Firing Workers Who Care for ‘Contacts’ With Virus

Michigan businesses are prohibited from firing or disciplining employees who walk off jobs to take care of “close contacts” with symptoms of the novel coronavirus, under an executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The order requires businesses to treat employees as if those workers have taken medical leave under the state’s paid medical leave act. The order further requires bosses to provide unpaid leave during the state’s coronavirus emergency order if an employee has exhausted their leave. Under Michigan law, private employers with 50 or more employees are required to provide a minimum of 36 hours of paid ...