COVID-19 Sick Leave Extended & Expanded

On September 29, 2021, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation (HB 4127) modifying the Massachusetts COVID sick leave law to extend its deadline and expand the reasons for leave. As before, the law applies to all employers and entitles employees to paid leave when they can’t work for certain COVID-related reasons. Employers can seek reimbursement for money paid to employees for COVID sick leave.

Previously, the law was set to expire on the earlier of September 30, 2021 or when the state fund was exhausted. Now the date is April 1, 2022 or when the fund is exhausted (still whichever is sooner). As of October 1, 2021, employees can also use their COVID sick leave to care for a family member who is either getting vaccinated against COVID or recovering from vaccination side effects.