Following the outbreak of COVID-19, New York State implemented COVID-19 paid sick leave, which was specifically geared toward creating financial stability and job protection for individuals and families struggling in the wake of an unprecedented worldwide pandemic. The law, which was enacted in March 2020, essentially guarantees job-protected leave to workers subject to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, or any other government entity.
However, effective July 31, 2025, New York State is doing away with COVID-19 paid sick leave. Still, individuals exposed to, or infected with, COVID-19 may qualify as eligible for sick leave, paid or unpaid, that is available to them under various federal and state laws, such as New York State Paid Family Leave or the Family and Medical Leave Act (depending on the size of the employer). In light of the above, employers should review and update their policies and handbooks accordingly in consultation with legal counsel.