South Dakota Leave of Absence for COVID-19 refers to the temporary job protection and absence granted to employees in South Dakota who need time off work due to Covid-19-related reasons. This leave typically allows employees to prioritize their health and well-being, while ensuring that they do not face adverse consequences or job loss for taking time off during the pandemic. Below, we will discuss different types of South Dakota Leave of Absence for COVID-19, along with their key features. 1. South Dakota Protected COVID-19 Leave: South Dakota Protected COVID-19 Leave is designed to offer job protection to employees who are unable to work due to personal Covid-19 illness, symptoms, or quarantine requirements. This type of leave allows employees to focus on their recovery and prevents them from being penalized or facing termination for their absence. 2. South Dakota Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave: If employees are not eligible for Protected COVID-19 Leave or need additional time off for Covid-related reasons, they may qualify for South Dakota FMLA Leave. FMLA provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period, ensuring their job security while they care for their own illness or that of a family member affected by Covid-19. 3. South Dakota Emergency Paid Sick Leave: Under the South Dakota Emergency Paid Sick Leave provision, employees who are unable to work due to Covid-19-related issues may be eligible for paid time off. This leave covers situations such as self-isolation, quarantine, seeking a diagnosis, or caring for an individual subject to quarantine. Eligible employees can receive up to 80 hours of paid sick leave. 4. South Dakota Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The South Dakota Expanded Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FF CRA), provides certain employees with paid leave if they are unable to work due to the closure of their child's school, childcare facility, or the unavailability of a childcare provider due to Covid-19. This leave offers up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave. 5. South Dakota Worker's Compensation Leave: In certain cases, employees who contract Covid-19 while performing their job duties may be eligible for South Dakota Worker's Compensation Leave. This type of leave provides compensation and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. The leave grants financial coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability due to Covid-19 infection acquired in the workplace. Employers in South Dakota are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these different types of leave and their respective eligibility criteria to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Employees who need to request a South Dakota Leave of Absence for COVID-19 should consult with their employers or the appropriate human resources department for guidance on the specific leave options available to them.