The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges. While many of us still shelter in place, a number of first responders and front-line workers have continued to work during this pandemic. As a result, these essential employees have had a significant risk of exposure to the deadly coronavirus.
Governor Pritzker recently signed a bill to protect essential workers who develop COVID-19. The Act provides that if a first responder or front-line worker contracts COVID-19 during a period oftime while employed, it will be refutably presumed it arose out of and in the course of the employment. First responders and front-line workers include: “All individuals employed by police, fire personnel, emergency medical technicians, or paramedics; all individuals and considered as first responders; all workers for healthcare providers, including nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities and home care workers; corrections officers; and any individuals employed by essential businesses.”
If you are an essential worker and have contracted coronavirus or if you believe you contracted the virus because of a workplace exposure, please contact our office for more information.