As Families First Coronavirus Response Act expires, UHR reminds employees of other flex and leave options 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was enacted by Congress in March 2020 as part of the federal coronavirus response. FFCRA provided both additional paid sick time and expanded Family Medical Leave (FML) to provide leave to employees for qualifying reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as self-care or care for a family member following a COVID-19 diagnosis or care for a child whose place of school was closed as a result of the pandemic. 

While the FFCRA and all related leave allowances expired Dec. 31, 2020, University Human Resources recognizes that employees will likely continue to face unique leaves and flex needs throughout the remainder of the pandemic. 

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, FFCRA-designated leave will no longer be available. Employees with coronavirus-related leave needs may still qualify for traditional leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides leave for various qualifying circumstances including an employee’s own serious illness or medical need or that of a qualifying family member. 

Employees are also encouraged to use accrued sick, personal, vacation or compensatory time in accordance with policy as needs arise. University Human Resources continues to encourage employees and supervisors to implement flextime and flexplace arrangements to the extent possible, to ensure business continuity while recognizing and meeting employee needs. 

Employees and supervisors with questions are encouraged to reach out to University Human Resources.