Employers cannot automatically terminate reasonable accommodations provided during the pandemic, despite the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said on Monday.
Employers can, however, evaluate accommodations granted since the outbreak began in 2020 and consult with employees as to whether there is still a need for reasonable accommodation based on individualized circumstances, the agency said in an update to its COVID-19 technical assistance.
The COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11. The EEOC’s latest 77-page technical assistance document is the 20th it has issued during the pandemic, the agency said.
The update also includes common examples of possible reasonable accommodations for employees with long COVID, which include a quiet workspace, the use of noise-canceling devices, and uninterrupted work time to address brain fog.
It also includes tips for employers about remaining alert for COVID-related harassment of applicants or employees who have the need to continue to wear a face mask or take other COVID-19-related precautions at work.
