The Allegheny Pennsylvania Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides essential protections for employees in Allegheny County seeking leave due to qualifying medical and family reasons, including those related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. This legislation ensures that eligible employees can take time off from work to address COVID-19 related issues without fear of losing their job or suffering adverse consequences. Under the Allegheny Pennsylvania FMLA, eligible employees can take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave within a twelve-month period for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These reasons may include: 1. COVID-19 Diagnosis: Employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are experiencing symptoms and seeking medical diagnosis can utilize FMLA leaves for their own illness and recovery. 2. Quarantine: If an employee is subject to a quarantine order issued by a government authority, healthcare professional, or employer due to COVID-19 exposure, they can take FMLA leave. 3. Care for Family Members: An eligible employee may take FMLA leaves to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or requires personal care due to their exposure to the virus. 4. School or Childcare Closure: FMLA leave can also be used when an employee is unable to work or telework due to the closure of their child's school or place of care, including childcare provider, due to COVID-19-related reasons. It is important to note that Allegheny Pennsylvania FMLA leave related to COVID-19 incorporates the federal guidelines established by the Family and Medical Leave Act. This means that employees are entitled to job protection during their leave, and employers must maintain their health benefits throughout the designated period. To qualify for Allegheny Pennsylvania FMLA leave, employees must work for a covered employer who has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Additionally, employees must have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months and have accumulated a minimum of 1,250 hours of service in the past year. If an employee is eligible and needs to take FMLA leave due to COVID-19, they should notify their employer as soon as possible and provide the necessary documentation, such as a positive COVID-19 test result or a quarantine order. Employers must honor eligible employees' rights to FMLA leave and should work collaboratively with them to ensure a smooth transition during their absence. In conclusion, the Allegheny Pennsylvania Family Medical Leave Act provides crucial support to employees affected by COVID-19 in Allegheny County. It enables individuals to take unpaid leave to handle a range of COVID-19 related situations, ensuring job protection and peace of mind during these challenging times.