Inslee extends protections for ‘high-risk workers’ through Aug. 1

Gov. Jay Inslee this week extended a proclamation that enables workers who face a higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 to protect themselves “without jeopardizing their employment status.”

The governor initially issued the proclamation on April 13 and it would have expired Friday. On Tuesday, Inslee extended the protections through Aug. 1.

The proclamation provides older workers and those with underlying health conditions a series of rights and protections, including:

• The choice of an alternative work assignment, including telework, alternative or remote work locations if feasible, and social distancing measures.
• The ability to use any accrued leave or unemployment benefits if an alternative work assignment is not feasible and the employee is unable to safely work. Employers must maintain health insurance benefits while high-risk employees are off the job.
• Employers are prohibited from permanently replacing high-risk employees.

High-risk individuals are those 65 years old or older, and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions including heart disease and diabetes, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Inslee extends protections for ‘high-risk workers’ through Aug. 1."