Colorado HELP Rules Coverage is Expanded

On March 26, 2020, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) revised the Health Emergency Leave with Pay (HELP) Rules to expand its coverage. (For basic information about the HELP Rules see my March 13 post.)

In addition to workers originally covered by HELP Rules, the revised rules now cover employees at retail establishments that sell groceries, which the CDLE defines as “Places that retail food and beverage merchandise, either fresh or preserved, from fixed point-of-sale locations. The food or beverages can be packaged, and intended for off-site consumption, but may include prepared food or drinks for immediate consumption on the premises.” Examples of covered establishments are: grocery stores; supermarkets; retail stores with a grocery section; beer, wine, and liquor stores; specialty food stores; convenience marts and; gas stations that sell food or beverages.

The HELP Rules have also been expanded to cover employees who are under instructions from a health care provider to quarantine or isolate due to a risk of having COVID-19.

For the complete HELP Rules and helpful FAQs, go to the CDLE’s website here.