Corporate Synergies is closely following the latest news related to coronavirus. We will report COVID-19 information as it becomes available from the CDC, health insurance carriers, health officials and our own ERISA attorney on virus-related benefits compliance guidance.
Please share and bookmark this page with your colleagues/employees. We will add information as it becomes available.
Encourage employees, contractors and temps who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness to stay home and not return until they are free of fever (>100.4º), without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms for at least 24 hours.
Infected employees or household members should notify their supervisors of illness. Employers should then notify fellow employees of possible exposure, while maintaining confidentiality as required by the ADA.
Separate employees who show symptoms of acute respiratory illness at work from the general workforce and sent home immediately.
Ensure sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies, for themselves and to care for family members.
Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with respiratory illness for validation, as such facilities may not be able to provide in a timely fashion.
Remind employees to cover their noses/mouths with a tissue (or elbow or shoulder, if not available) when coughing or sneezing. Instruct employees to wash hands with soap/water often for at least 20 seconds, or use a 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Be sure these supplies are readily available. If possible, provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles around the work area.
Routinely clean all frequently touched workplace surfaces, such as workstations, counters, doorknobs and light switches. Consider providing disposable disinfectant wipes for employees’ use as well.
For travelling employees:
- Refer to the CDC Traveler’s Health Notices page for current guidance and recommendations, by country.
- Check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before, during and after travel, and notify supervisors of any illness.
- Provide employees travelling overseas for work with your company’s policy on international health coverage. Later, you may want to revisit your organization’s international healthcare benefits, as recommended here.
Employers should be ready with business continuity plans in response to high absenteeism, including providing remote office managers with authority to take action for their location, as appropriate and cross-training essential functions.
Report any outbreaks to local and state health officials.
Employers can find updated information on business response here, on the CDC website.

The coronavirus COVID-19 is a worldwide concern as it continues to spread in many countries and here in the United States. The most current reports on U.S. cases will be updated every weekday at noon by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus first discovered last year in Wuhan, China, likely from an animal source.
- Older adults and those with chronic conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness from this virus.
- The virus is spread person-to-person by close contact (within 6 feet), through respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing. It may also be contracted by touching infected surfaces, then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes.
- Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and complications include pneumonia, organ failure and sometimes death.
- There is no vaccine, nor antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Infected patients can seek medical attention to treat symptoms.
Corporate Synergies has remained fully operational, including our BenefitsVIP employee advocacy support center which has been outfitted to handle a higher volume of calls.
We are digitally equipped to service clients remotely via teleconference, video chats and screen sharing.
Live educational events are now being offered virtually to prevent any potential spread of the virus. Please visit our events calendar for more information.
Agencies Issue Guidance on COVID-19 Testing
and Vaccines
03.02.2021
IRS Issues Guidance Clarifying COVID-19 Relief
Rules for FSAs and Cafeteria Plans
02.24.2021
$900B COVID-19 Relief Package Signed into Law; Includes Rules to End Surprise Medical Billing
12.28.2020
New Jersey Executive Order Imposes COVID-19 Workplace Safety Measures
11.5.2020
DOL Revises COVID-19 Leave Regulation in
Light of a Recent Court Decision
9.17.2020
Court Eliminates Key Provisions of COVID-19 Leave Regulation
8.7.2020
COVID-19 Compliance Briefing Livestream: Deadline Relief & Impact on Benefit Plans
5.12.2020
DOL Issues New COBRA Model Notices
and FAQ Guidance
5.4.2020
Agencies Issue COVID-19-related
Compliance Relief for Benefit Plans
5.4.2020
President Signs $484 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package into Law
4.27.2020
President Signs CARES Act into Law
3.30.2020
Senate Approves Coronavirus Bill; Now Under Review by the House
3.27.2020
DOL Guidance Clarifies Coronavirus Paid Leave Requirements
3.26.2020
Agencies Issue Guidance on Coronavirus Paid Leave Tax Credits
3.25.2020
Important State & Federal Reporting and Enrollment Extensions
3.25.2020
Tax Day now July 15
3.21.2020
HIPAA Non-compliance Enforcement Relaxed for Telehealth Services
3.19.2020
COVID-19 Compliance Briefing Livestream
3.18.2020
Enhanced Telehealth Regulatory Flexibility for Medicare Participants
3.17.2020
HHS issues Press Release to further explain new guidance for Telehealth Services
3.17.2020
AstraZeneca Vaccine Trials Face Setback After Patient Becomes Ill
September 8, 2020
Independence Blue Cross Provides Medical Premium Credits to Clients
July 29, 2020
Ancillary Carriers Announce Hold on Renewal Rates Due to COVID-19 Crisis
July 7, 2020
Health Insurers Waive Cost-sharing for COVID-19 Treatment
April 17, 2020
HDHPs Can Cover COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Pre-Deductible
March 11, 2020
Telemedicine as a Triage Resource
March 10, 2020
View updates from insurance carriers below: