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Washington approves comp for quarantined health, safety workers

Posted On: Mar. 6, 2020 10:15 AM CST

Washington state

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday announced immediate changes to the state’s workers compensation rules to provide comp coverage for health care workers and first responders who are quarantined following exposure to the coronavirus.

Under the clarified policy, the state Department of Labor and Industries, which oversees workers compensation insurance for employers, will provide immediate benefits to these workers during the time they’re quarantined. The benefits may include medical testing, treatment expenses if a worker becomes ill or injured, and time-loss payments for those who cannot work if they are sick or quarantined, according to a statement.

The agency is also encouraging employers to continue to pay workers who are quarantined after being exposed.

Washington state has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.