April 14, 2020

On April 9, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-23 to extend key tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This new tax relief is provided under Section 7508A of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), which gives the IRS authority to postpone deadlines for taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters. Form 5500 – Automatic Deadline Extension IRS Notice 2020-23 extends the Form 5500 filing deadline for ERISA-covered retirement and welfare plans that have an original or extended filing deadline on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020. These plans have until July 15, 2020, to file their Forms 5500. This deadline extension is automatic, which means that plan sponsors do not have to have to call the IRS or file any extension forms, or send letters or other documents to receive this relief. Additional filing extensions must be requested by using the appropriate extension form by July 15, 2020, but the extension may not go beyond the original or regulatory extension date.  In addition, IRS Rev. Proc. 2018-58 provides that any postponement of the Form 5500 filing due date by the IRS under Code Section 7508A will also be permitted by the Department of Labor and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for similarly situated plan administrators. IRS Notice 2020-23 does not extend the filing deadline for 2019 Form 5500 filings for calendar year plans, which are due on July 15, 2020. Action Steps Employers should work with their tax advisors to determine if any upcoming tax filing or payment deadlines, including the Form 5500, have been postponed. Employers with calendar year plans should be prepared to file their Forms 5500 by July 15, 2020, or request an extension by this date

On April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for discontinuing home isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The CDC also issued guidance on April 8, 2020, for what essential workers should do following exposure to COVID-19. This guidance should be used for informational purposes and should not supersede the instructions given to you by your health care provider. For more information, contact your doctor.  CDC Guidance Overview The decision to discontinue isolation* should be made in the context of local circumstances. Options now include both a time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery (non-test-based) strategy, and test-based strategy. Time-since-illness-onset and Time-since-recovery (non-test-based) Strategy** Persons with COVID-19 who have symptomsand were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions: Test-based Strategy Previous recommendations for a test-based strategy remain applicable; however, a test-based strategy is contingent on the availability of ample testing supplies and laboratory capacity as well as convenient access to testing. For jurisdictions that choose to use a test-based strategy, the recommended protocol has been simplified so that only one swab is needed at every sampling. Individuals Who Have COVID-19 and Symptoms Persons who have COVID-19 who have symptomsand were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions: Individuals Who Have COVID-19 Without Symptoms Persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may discontinue isolation when at least seven days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness provided they remain asymptomatic. For three days following discontinuation of isolation, these persons should continue to limit contact (stay 6 feet away from others) and limit potential of dispersal of respiratory secretions by wearing a covering for their nose and mouth whenever they are in settings where other persons are present. In community settings, this covering may be a barrier mask, such as a bandana, scarf or cloth mask. The covering does not refer to a medical mask or respirator. CDC Guidance for Essential Workers Who Have Been Exposed to COVID-19 To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, the CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community. A potential exposure means being a household contact or having close contact within 6 feet of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The time frame for having contact with an individual includes the period of time of 48 hours before the individual became symptomatic. Critical Infrastructure workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to and during their work shift: CDC Guidance for Employers of Essential Workers Who Have Been Exposed to COVID-19 If the employee becomes sick during the day, they should be sent home immediately. Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected. Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and two days prior to symptoms should be compiled. Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed. Employers should implement the recommendations in the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Additional information about identifying critical infrastructure during COVID-19 can be found on the DHS CISA website or the CDC’s specific First Responder Guidance page. For More Information For more information regarding the CDC’s guidance, click here. To get more information about your specific situation, please contact your doctor. Source