Insurance Impact of Early Reopening Or Move to “Yellow” Phase

Denise GillinInsurance, News

May 15, 2020   To Our Clients: Several counties in Pennsylvania are considering reopening early or shifting to a “yellow” phase ahead of Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 timeline.  Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with such a decision, it is important for you to be aware of potential insurance implications should you choose to reopen ahead of the Governor’s order. Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently made several public statements regarding provisions in many types of insurance policies that could exclude coverage for businesses or individuals “engaging in illegal acts or conduct”.  We believe that most policyholders recognize that insurance, in general, does not provide coverage for illegal or criminal acts, regardless of the current COVID-19 pandemic or …

PCRB Update to PA WC Manual Due to COVID-19

Denise GillinInsurance, News

On May 5, 2020, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau released an update to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Manual, specifically to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The new provisions have been approved by the Insurance Commissioner, and will apply from April 1, 2020, or later for policies in force on March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Following is a summary of the changes as presented and what they may mean for PA employers. Allocation of Payroll The COVID19 Coronavirus Exception allows for temporary reclassification of payroll for employees working from home to Code 953 – Clerical Office during laws or regulations issued due to COVID-19, if separate, accurate and verifiable records are kept. Once normal operations resume, appropriate …

American Industrial Hygiene Association – Going Back to Work Safely

Denise GillinInsurance, News

The American Industrial Hygiene Association put out the following re-opening guides: At Home Service Providers: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-At-Home-Service-Providers_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument May 2020 General Office Setting: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-General-Office-Settings_CoVid 2020 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Rideshare – Taxi, Limo, and Other Passenger Drivers for Hire: AIHA Returning-to-Work-Rideshare-Taxi-Limo-and-other-Passenger-Drivers-for-Hire_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 My 2020 Retail Industry: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-the-Retail-Industry_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Restaurant Industry: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-the-Restaurant-Industry_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Construction Environments: AIHA Returning-to-Work-Construction-Environments_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Gyms and Workout Facilities: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-Gyms-and-Workout-Facilitiess_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Hair and Nail Salons: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-Hair-and-Nail-Salons_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Contact your Murray representative at 717.397.9600 for further assistance.  

SBA Accepting New Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

Shared from the Small Business Administration Website: The Small Business Administration (SBA) will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. The new eligibility is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Agricultural businesses include those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries as defined in Section 18(b) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 647(b). The SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing …

HR Reopening Considerations During COVID-19

Denise GillinHuman Resources, News

By Hannah Lopez, MBA, SHRM-CP, Human Resource Consultant As companies begin to ramp up operations and bring staff back to work, Hannah has some suggestions for your consideration.   HR Reopening Considerations During COVID-19 To further discuss, contact Hannah at 717.205.5117 or email her.

COVID-19 in Pennsylvania: Construction Return-to-Work

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Timothy W. Braun, Risk Control Specialist On May 1, 2020, construction operations in Pennsylvania will be allowed to resume following mandated closure in March. On April 15, 2020, the State issued orders requiring certain practices and protections be implemented at places of business remaining open under the original stay-at-home order. These requirements still apply in addition to requirements related to construction work resuming on May 1. Read the construction return-to-work requirements. Contact Tim at 717.224.1835 or tbraun@murrayins.com.

Liability Immunity Offered by PREP Act

Denise GillinBusiness Insurance, News

By Amy G. Mitchell, CIC, CISR, Vice President, Commercial Solutions Are you manufacturing products to support the COVID-19 solution? Respirators, face shields, face masks, etc. You may be eligible for Liability Immunity offered by the PREP Act that was made effective February 4, 2020, by the Department of Health & Human Services for products used for COVID-19. “The PREP Act authorizes the Secretary to issue a declaration to provide liability immunity to certain individuals and entities (covered persons) against any claim of loss caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the manufacture, distribution, administration, or use of medical countermeasures (covered countermeasures). Under the March 10, 2020, declaration, covered countermeasures are any antiviral, any other drug, any biologic, …

Close up of a mobile phone with Coronavirus covid-19 news update. There is a patient information form in the background on the desk. The phone is being held and has an image of hand washing hygiene. (Close up of a mobile phone with Coronavirus covid-

Health Insurance Options for You and Your Family

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, Medicare, News

By Tony Montgomery, Assistant Vice President, Senior Plan Advisor In today’s uncertain times, you may be unexpectedly looking for health insurance for you and your family.  Whether you are losing your current insurance due to loss of employment or having hours reduced to where you no longer qualify for insurance through your employer, or are making a job change or looking to retire, there are a few options for healthcare coverage for you and your family. The first option is through the government Marketplace or Obamacare. These plans are normally available only during the open enrollment period of November 1 – December 15. However, if you are losing your current insurance, you may be eligible for a Special Election Period …

Why Dairy Producer Milk Was Going Down The Drain

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

By Courtney E. Meyer, AFIS, Agribusiness Producer Dairy producers were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, their way of doing business was changing by the hour! However, the industry is slowing coming back. Let me explain. The COVID-19 national emergency created a disruption in supply and demand for the dairy industry the beginning of April. As many farmers across the nation were asked to dump milk down the drain, the general public had a hard time understanding why since there were quantity limits on dairy purchases at the store. With schools, coffee shops and other non-essential businesses closing, the milk demand for those businesses decreased significantly. Therefore, milk processors had to figure out a way to repackage these products …