As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be at the top of mind for all, many employers are still determining how, and if, they should allow their employees to engage in business travel at this time. While many employers have limited business travel to situations where it is required as a business necessity, there are several important considerations to be made when allowing employees to travel for business during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, especially in light of the new restrictions to re-enter the US after international travel.
In addition to the general labor compliance requirements of compensating employees for travel time and/or expense reimbursement, employers must also consider these new and ever-changing restrictions due to Covid-19. For example, many countries have implemented either vaccination requirements and/or proof of a negative test to enter certain countries. Notably, the US has just updated Covid-19 testing requirements for all travelers flying into the United States from another country. These new requirements will require travelers to get a negative Covid-19 test within 24 hours of their departure before heading back to the US. If your employee is required to get a Covid-19 test for departure or entry or for any other business-related reason, employers will be required to reimburse employees for the Covid-19 test and time spent getting the test if they are traveling for business.
Additionally, employers who allow business travel during this time need to keep in mind that depending on where their employees are traveling, an employee may be required to quarantine for a specified period of time requiring an employer to bear additional cost for the prolonged hotel stay, food, other incidental cost, as well as compensate the employee for this time spent in quarantine.
If employers do require business travel during this time, it is important to set out specific Covid-19 Travel requirements for their employees, as well as understand what requirements an employee who is traveling for business will be required to undergo. To learn more about business travel requirement and/or to assist you in creating a business travel policy, please contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: depositphotos.com).
