COVID-19 Resources
Greensfelder's COVID-19 team of attorneys stands fully prepared to help businesses and organizations address a range of issues related to the coronavirus outbreak. Our attorneys represent a cross-section of practice areas and industries, drawing on their varied experience to help clients navigate challenging issues.
The list of COVID-19 resources below will be updated as information evolves. Expand the headings below to see items in a specific section:
Business Services, Contracts & Tax
Interview with Patrick Sweeney, "Hiring crunch hitting the M&A industry" in the St. Louis Business Journal (September 13, 2021)
"The American Rescue Plan: Restaurants Finally Get Their Relief Fund" by Paul Petruska and Gabrielle Intagliata (March 12, 2021)
"What Landlords Should Know About the December 2020 COVID-19 Rent Relief Act" by Paul Petruska (February 5, 2021)
"What restaurants should know about the second round of PPP funding" by Paul Petruska in Feast Magazine (January 8, 2021)
"What Small Businesses Should Know About Round 2 PPP Funding" by Paul Petruska (December 23, 2020)
"Main Street Priority Loans: Who is eligible, and what commitments are required?" by Vince Garozzo and Scott Johnston (July 10, 2020)
"Senate passes PPP measure increasing flexibility for small business loans" by Phil Stanton and Laura Beckering (June 4, 2020)
"House passes bill aiming to increase flexibility in PPP loan program" by Phil Stanton and Laura Beckering (May 29, 2020)
"Treasury releases rules regarding PPP loan reviews and forgiveness" by Phil Stanton (May 26, 2020)
"Treasury releases form of application for PPP loan forgiveness" by Phil Stanton and Laura Beckering (May 17, 2020)
"Treasury provides new guidance on enforcement of economic need certification" by Phil Stanton (May 13, 2020)
"PPP loans: Risk management suggestions" by Phil Stanton (May 11, 2020)
"IRS Reduces Benefit of PPP Loans – Provides Notice that Expenses Funded with Forgiven Loans are not Deductible" by Phil Stanton and Jay Nathanson (May 1, 2020)
"Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection: The final option for municipalities?" by Randall Scherck, Sheldon Stock and Peter Mueller (April 30, 2020)
"PPP loan expansion moves ahead as Treasury provides guidance on certification of necessity" by Phil Stanton (April 23, 2020)
"COVID-19: Implications on Illinois Contract Law and the Doctrine of Commercial Frustration" in the Illinois State Bar Association Real Property newsletter by Thad Felton (April 21, 2020)
"When does the doctrine of impossibility of performance apply in Illinois?" by Thad Felton (April 10, 2020)
Interview with Phil Stanton, “Forgivable Loans For Small Businesses Offer Small Toehold For Retail” in WWD (April 9, 2020)
"FAQs on Paycheck Protection Program loans: The SBA’s interpretation of the CARES Act" by Laura Beckering and Phil Stanton (April 8, 2020)
"COVID-19’s effect on contracts governed by Missouri law: Commercial frustration" by Clark Hedger (April 7, 2020)
"CARES Act comes to the rescue of taxpayers under economic distress as a result of COVID-19" by Jay Nathanson (April 2, 2020)
“COVID-19 Implications on Illinois Contract Law: The Doctrine of ‘Commercial Frustration’” by Thad Felton (March 31, 2020)
"Paycheck Protection Program Loans under the CARES Act" by Phil Stanton (March 27, 2020)
"SBA coronavirus disaster loans: Is your business eligible?" by Carson Maricle (March 27, 2020)
"Do your company’s financing agreements contain provisions that require you to provide MAE disclosures to your lenders?" by Phil Stanton and Ed Chod (March 26, 2020)
"IRS provides further guidance on relief for taxpayers affected by coronavirus" by Heather Mehta (March 25, 2020)
"Tax credits and other tax relief as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act" on the SimplyHR blog by Jay Nathanson and Cassie Barr (March 20, 2020)
"COVID-19 Contract Considerations for Businesses: Force Majeure and Other Noteworthy Provisions" (March 17, 2020)
Construction
Interview with J.D. Glisson, "Construction Regs Attys Are Watching In 2022" in Law360 (January 3, 2022)
"COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Contractors Doing Business with the Federal Government" by Emily Hermreck and Jennifer Therrien (Nov. 24, 2021)
"How Proposed Missouri Senate Bill 51 May Reduce COVID-19 Liability for Construction-Related Businesses" on the Nuts & Bolts Construction Law Blog (March 2, 2021)
"Advantages of Arbitration for Resolving Construction Disputes in Light of COVID-19" on the Nuts & Bolts Construction Law Blog (July 31, 2020)
"Construction suspension in light of the COVID-19 outbreak" on the Nuts & Bolts Construction Law Blog by Emily Hermreck and Michael Wilson (March 27, 2020)
"Construction contracts and coronavirus complications: Will force majeure hold?" on the Nuts & Bolts Construction Law Blog (March 18, 2020)
Employee Benefits
"New Wellness Program Guidance Issued for COVID-19 Vaccine Premium Surcharges" on the Plans, Perks & Pay blog by Jessica Curtis (October 8, 2021)
"IRS issues guidance on CARES Act coronavirus-related distributions and loans" on the Plans, Perks & Pay by Jessica Curtis (September 10, 2020)
"Using COVID-19 disaster relief funds to assist employees" on the Plans, Perks & Pay blog by Doug Neville (April 9, 2020)
"The impact of the CARES Act on retirement plans" on the Plans, Perks & Pay blog by Jessica Curtis (March 30, 2020)
Employment & Labor
"Supreme Court Blocks COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers but Allows It for Medicare and Medicaid Funded Health Care Facilities" on the SimplyHR blog by Chris Bailey (January 13, 2022)
Interview with Scott Cruz, "How to Ask Employees About Vaccination Status" in SHRM (January 4, 2022)
"OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Applicable to Employers with 100 or More Employees Headed for Judicial Review" on the SimplyHR blog by Dennis Collins (November 17, 2021)
Interview with Scott Cruz, "Loyola Medicine and the risks of staying small - Pfizer pill doesn't replace vaccine: NU doc - OSHA COVID mandate on hold" in Crain's Chicago Business (November 8, 2021)
Interview with Amy Blaisdell, "Vaccine mandates come with risks to employee pool" in Business Insurance (September 1, 2021)
"Chicago Prohibits Discipline of Workers for Time Off to Get COVID-19 Vaccine" on the SimplyHR blog by Scott Cruz (April 21, 2021)
"Yes, employers can generally mandate that employees get the COVID vaccine" by Scott Cruz in the Daily Herald (March 23, 2021)
"The American Rescue Plan Act's Effect on FFCRA and COBRA" on the SimplyHR blog by Scott Cruz (March 17, 2021)
"Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secret Considerations for a Remote Workforce: 9 Key Takeaways" on the SimplyHR blog by Caroline Paillou (March 2, 2021)
Interview with Jill Luft, "Vaccine Rollout Brings Legal, Labor Concerns for Employers" in Healthcare Risk Management (February 1, 2021)
Interview with Molly Batsch, "Furloughed Workers May Lose FMLA Eligibility" in SHRM (January 22, 2021)
"FFCRA Mandatory Leave Expires, But Tax Credits Remain" on the SimplyHR blog by Lauren Daming (January 7, 2021)
"EEOC offers new guidance on COVID-19 vaccination questions for employers" on the SimplyHR blog by Dennis Collins (December 21, 2020)
Interview with Chris Bailey, "FFCRA could expire at the end of the year" in Business Insurance (December 3, 2020)
Interview with Scott Cruz, "Employment issues for AG employers related to COVD-19" on RFD-TV (September 30, 2020)
"DOL's Latest Revisions Clarify Employer Responsibilities Under FFCRA" on the SimplyHR blog by Scott Cruz (September 14, 2020)
"DOL Issues New FLSA, FMLA and FFCRA Guidance in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic" on the SimplyHR blog by Chris Bailey and Scott Cruz (July 30, 2020)
"Summer camp closed due to COVID-19? Employees may be entitled to paid leave under FFCRA" on the SimplyHR blog by Chris Bailey (June 30, 2020)
"Return to Work: Critical Legal and Safety Issues for Nonprofit Arts Organizations" webinar by Amy Blaisdell and Jill Luft (May 22, 2020)
"Understanding OSHA's new guidance for employers in recording cases of COVID-19" on the SimplyHR blog by Jill Luft (May 21, 2020)
"St. Louis City and County roll ahead with first phase of reopening" on the SimplyHR blog by Amy Blaisdell (May 19, 2020)
"DOL gives additional FFCRA guidance on calculating paid leave, hours worked and rate of pay" on the SimplyHR blog (May 11, 2020)
"Return to Work: Critical Information for Employers as Employees Come Back to the Workplace" webinar (May 4, 2020)
(Note: On May 19, 2020, the OSHA Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 dated April 10, 2020 and previously discussed in this webinar was rescinded. Effective May 26, 2020, all covered employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if it is a confirmed case, the case is work-related, and the case involves one or more of the general recording criteria.)
Interview with Amy Blaisdell, “What workers and employers should know as Missouri businesses reopen” on KSDK (April 27, 2020)
"COVID-19: How Employers can Manage the Outbreak" Arch Grants webinar by Molly Batsch and Lauren Harris (April 15, 2020) (recording available here)
"FFCRA documentation requirements for employers: What to ask for, what to document, and what to keep" on the SimplyHR blog by Jill Luft and Lauren Harris (April 14, 2020)
"EEOC addresses ongoing questions about COVID-19, the ADA and other EEO laws" on the SimplyHR blog by Lauren Harris (April 10, 2020)
"Navigating the FFCRA and Paycheck Protection Program" webinar (April 6, 2020)
"U.S. Department of Labor issues additional FFCRA guidance" on the SimplyHR blog by Chris Bailey (April 4, 2020)
Interview with Lauren Daming, “DOL Issues Guidance on FLSA Issues Related to COVID-19” in Workest (April 3, 2020)
"What’s new in the DOL’s temporary regulations implementing the FFCRA?" on the SimplyHR blog by Lauren Daming, Katie Fechte, Lauren Harris and Jill Luft (April 2, 2020)
"Missouri and Illinois ease unemployment benefit requirements" on the SimplyHR blog by Lauren Harris (April 2, 2020)
"Focal points of the DOL’s second and third Q&A sets and (very) temporary grace period for good-faith violations of FFCRA" on the SimplyHR blog by Jill Luft (March 29, 2020)
Interview with Scott Cruz, “As COVID-19 roils workplaces, here’s how to navigate employee and employer rights” in the Chicago Tribune (March 27, 2020)
Interview with Amy Blaisdell, "Construction Employers, Attorneys Await Details on Expanded Leave Provisions" in Saint Louis Construction News and Review (March 26, 2020)
"Employers: Do you know about the FFCRA posters?" on the SimplyHR blog (March 25, 2020)
"DOL announces first guidance on paid leave under Families First Coronavirus Response Act" on the SimplyHR blog by Lauren Daming (March 25, 2020)
Interview with Molly Batsch, “Weathering Coronavirus: Furloughs, Layoffs or Pay Cuts?” on SHRM.org (March 23, 2020)
"Tax credits and other tax relief as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act" on the SimplyHR blog by Jay Nathanson and Cassie Barr (March 20, 2020)
"President Trump signs legislation extending paid sick leave and emergency Family and Medical Leave" on the SimplyHR blog by Amy Blaisdell (March 18, 2020)
"Congress passes legislation on expanding paid sick leave, FMLA" on the SimplyHR blog by Amy Blaisdell (March 18, 2020)
"Employers: Do you know your responsibilities for recording cases of COVID-19?" on the SimplyHR blog (March 17, 2020)
"COVID-19 Q&A: What Employers Should Know" on the SimplyHR blog by Scott Cruz (March 16, 2020)
"How the Families First Coronavirus Response Act would impact employers" on the SimplyHR blog by Amy Blaisdell (March 16, 2020)
"Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak: Five Questions and Answers for Employers" by Scott Cruz, published by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce (March 13, 2020)
"Quick tips for employers as coronavirus outbreak continues" featuring an interview with Amy Blaisdell, published by HR Dive (Feb. 7, 2020)
Insurance Coverage
"Business interruption insurance and COVID-19 (Congressional Response Update)" by Greg Mollett (April 22, 2020)
"Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19: A Deeper Dive" by Greg Mollett (April 3, 2020)
"Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19: An Overview" by Greg Mollett (April 2, 2020)
Intellectual Property
Interview with Mark Stallion, "Patent Litigation Trends to Watch in 2021" in Law360 (January 2, 2021)
"Interpreting force majeure clauses under Missouri law and applying them to the COVID-19 pandemic" by John Petite (August 5, 2020)
"The COVID-19 Pandemic: When is contractual performance excused under Missouri law on force majeure, commercial impracticability and commercial frustration?" by John Petite (July 29, 2020)
"The impact of COVID-19 on the intellectual property legal landscape" by Mark Stallion (April 27, 2020)
"Pilot program offers prioritized examination for some COVID-19 related patent applications" by Mark Stallion (May 20, 2020)
Franchising & Distribution
"Franchise Attorneys and Regulators Talk COVID Item 19 Scenarios" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Dawn Johnson (May 19, 2021)
"Keep an Eye Out for Biometrics Laws" by Dawn Johnson in the Franchise Lawyer (Winter 2021)
"Key Takeaways on Hot Topics for Franchisors in 2021: FPRs, Advertising and Pandemic Struggles" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Dawn Johnson, Beata Krakus, Susan Meyer, Abby Risner and Leonard Vines (March 10, 2021)
Interview with Beata Krakus, "Advice From Franchise Attorneys on Item 19 in a COVID-19 World" (February 19, 2021)
"Financial Performance Representations in light of COVID-19" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Leonard Vines (June 23, 2020)
"More states make accommodations for franchise filings" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Beata Krakus (March 27, 2020)
"Virginia extends franchise registrations and exemptions" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Beata Krakus (March 19, 2020)
"Franchise renewal season and COVID-19: Maryland grants partial renewal extension" on the Franchising & Distribution Law Blog by Beata Krakus (March 18, 2020)
Health Care
"Health Law Alert: CMS Guidance Addresses Compliance with Vaccine Requirements" on the Health Care Today blog by Kathy Butler and Dee Harleston (January 3, 2022)
Interview with Jill Luft, "Vaccine Rollout Brings Legal, Labor Concerns for Employers" in Healthcare Risk Management (February 1, 2021)
"HHS extends deadline for Provider Relief Fund attestations" on the Health Care Today blog (May 8, 2020)
“The CARES Act And Its Impact on Health Care” on the Health Care Today blog by Sanja Ord and Kathy Butler (April 1, 2020)
"FAQs clarify relaxed HIPAA rules for telehealth in COVID-19 emergency" on the Health Care Today blog by Lucie Huger (March 25, 2020)
"Criminals exploit COVID-19 outbreak with counterfeit personal protective equipment" on the Health Care Today blog by Kathy Butler (March 24, 2020)
"COVID-19 update: Waiver of cost-sharing obligations for telehealth services" on the Health Care Today blog by Sanja Ord (March 19, 2020)
"WHO’s on first? The World Health Organization and other players fighting the COVID-19 pandemic" by Jared Manse, Ph.D. (March 19, 2020)
"HHS issues limited waiver of HIPAA sanctions and penalties during nationwide public health emergency" on the Health Care Today blog by Kathy Butler (March 17, 2020)
"EMTALA in the age of coronavirus: CMS releases new guidance" on the Health Care Today blog by Jeff Herman (March 17, 2020)
Privacy & Data Security/Consumer Protection
Interview with Lauren Daming, "Got workers in California? It's time to brush up on the state's data privacy law" in HR Dive (August 30, 2021)
"FBI offers new warning, tips for avoiding business email scams" by Lucie Huger (April 9, 2020)
"Don’t let Alexa zoom you into trouble: Tips and traps for businesses working remotely" by Erv Switzer and Mary Ann Wymore (April 8, 2020)
"Phishing emails and other COVID-19 scams: Don’t be a victim!" by Erv Switzer and Ronnie White (March 17, 2020)
Real Estate
Interview with John Goldstein, "3 Ways The Pandemic is Reshaping Commercial Real Estate" in Law360 (April 16, 2021)
Interview with John Goldstein, "Over-Communicating, Renegotiating, Looking Ahead" in Above the Law (January 29, 2021)
Interview with John Goldstein, "Government Hurdles, Parking Lot Dealmaking, Pent-Up Energy" in Above the Law (January 15, 2021)
"Residential Real Estate Transactions: Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic" by Greg Mollett (April 13, 2020)
"What are the requirements for remote notarization in Missouri?" by Hunter Rouse (April 9, 2020)
Interview with Greg Mollett, "Will the virus get you out of your commercial lease? It's complicated, St. Louis lawyers say" in the St. Louis Business Journal (March 27, 2020)
"Potential impacts of social distancing and shelter-in-place on commercial real estate" by Greg Mollett (March 25, 2020)
Trade Secrets
"Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secret Considerations for a Remote Workforce: 9 Key Takeaways" on the SimplyHR blog by Caroline Paillou (March 2, 2021)
"COVID-19’s next wave of implications: 10 best practices for protecting trade secrets" by Chris Pickett and Caitlin Meyers (April 16, 2020)
Trusts & Estates
"Today is Giving Tuesday" on the Preservation blog by Jennifer Davis (December 1, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)" by Jennifer Davis and Elizabeth Pack (October 20, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Charitable Giving" on the Preservation blog by Jennifer Davis and Serafina Nicolais (August 26, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Installment Sales to Unintentionally Defective Grantor Trusts" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis and Elizabeth Pack (August 19, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Family Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis and Elizabeth Pack (August 12, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Creating Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis and Elizabeth Pack (August 4, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: Making or Refinancing Loans" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis and Elizabeth Pack (July 27,2020)
"Powers of attorney for your college-age child are more important than ever" on the Preservation blog by Jennifer Davis and Betty Schaefer (July 23, 2020)
"Tax Planning in Uncertain Times: One-Time or Annual Gifting" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis, and Elizabeth Pack (July 20, 2020)
"Planning During a Pandemic: How an Estate Plan Can Give You Peace of Mind" on the Preservation blog by Jennifer Davis and Nina Windsor (July 15, 2020)
"Unique Tax Planning Opportunities During Uncertain Economic Times" on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom, Jennifer Davis, and Elizabeth Pack (July 13, 2020)
"How the CARES Act may affect estate planning" on the Preservation blog by Jennifer Davis and Nina Windsor (July 2, 2020)
"I received a stimulus payment for my deceased family member … now what?" by Nina Windsor (May 28, 2020)
"What are the requirements for remote notarization in Missouri?" by Hunter Rouse (April 9, 2020)
“Gift Tax Return Filing and Payment Deadline is Extended to July 15, 2020” on the Preservation blog by Keith Grissom (April 1, 2020)
"CARES Act brings changes to incentivize charitable giving" on the Preservation blog (March 31, 2020)
"Illinois governor’s executive order provides guidance on remote notarization" on the Preservation blog by Garry Reuter, Jr. (March 27, 2020)
Firm Updates
Greensfelder Alumni Update (April 16, 2020)
COVID-19 Business Operations Update From Greensfelder (March 16, 2020)
If you have questions related to your business or organization's response to COVID-19, please reach out to an attorney in our Employment & Labor Practice Group or your regular Greensfelder contact to be connected with our team.