Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19 is a series of employment laws and provisions aimed at providing job protection and financial support to employees affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the state of Missouri. These measures ensure that eligible employees can take time off work due to various reasons related to the virus without jeopardizing their employment status or income. This detailed description will explore the key aspects of the Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19 program, including different types of leave options and applicable regulations. 1. Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19 Types: a. Emergency Paid Sick Leave: Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FF CRA), eligible employees may be entitled to up to 80 hours of paid sick leave if they are unable to work due to Covid-19 symptoms, quarantine orders, caring for an individual affected by the virus, or experiencing childcare disruptions. b. Expanded Family and Medical Leave: The FF CRA also introduces expanded leave provisions, allowing eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave to care for their child if the child's school or daycare is closed due to Covid-19. 2. Eligibility Criteria: Employees in Missouri may qualify for the Leave of Absence for COVID-19 program if: — They are employed by a covered employer (which includes most private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees). — They have been employed for at least 30 days. — They are unable to work or telework due to Covid-19-related reasons. 3. Leave Entitlements: a. Emergency Paid Sick Leave: Eligible employees are entitled to full pay, up to certain daily and overall caps, depending on the reason for leave. b. Expanded Family and Medical Leave: During this leave, the employee is entitled to 2/3 of their regular pay, up to certain daily and overall caps, for up to 12 weeks. 4. Duration and Documentation: a. Emergency Paid Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to this leave for a maximum of two weeks (80 hours) and do not need to provide supporting documentation unless taking leave for caring purposes. b. Expanded Family and Medical Leave: This leave can be taken for up to 12 weeks, with documentation required to verify the need for leave (e.g., school closure notice). 5. Job Protection: Employees who take leave under the Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19 program have job protection, ensuring they can return to the same or equivalent position upon their return from leave. 6. Employer Tax Credits: Covered employers providing paid leave under the FF CRA are eligible for refundable tax credits on wages paid to employees under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave provisions. Conclusion: Missouri Leave of Absence for COVID-19 provides crucial support for employees facing Covid-19-related challenges by providing job protection and paid leave options. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave provisions ensure employees do not have to choose between their health, family obligations, and financial stability during these challenging times.