Businesses Seek Protection Against Covid-19

A handful of U.S. states started easing economic restrictions this week, but businesses are worried their "all employees must wash hands--we actually mean that" signs won't cut it as the world's most litigious population peeps aboveground. 

Last week, U.S. Chamber of Commerce head Suzanne Clark told Axios that businesses are anxious about a wave of lawsuits from customers and workers who contract COVID-19. 

Time for torts 

Customers and employees can sue a business for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages if they prove negligence, recklessness, or intentional disregard for their safety. But some recommended precautions for COVID-19 could run up against workplace protection laws, such as:

• Telling other employees when someone is sick (privacy violation)
• Requiring workers to test negative before coming back (discrimination and health privacy)
• Prohibiting at-risk populations like the elderly from coming to work (more discrimination)