St. Paul, MN– In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, State Representative Dan Wolgamott (DFL – St. Cloud) introduced legislation to allow public safety and health care workers access to workers’ compensation and other benefits in the event they are sickened or quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.
“Minnesota’s health care professionals, police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers are on the frontlines protecting Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Wolgamott. “It’s crucial that if they are exposed while working for us, they don’t lose their earned sick and personal leave benefits. By doing their essential jobs, they put their physical health at risk. We need to have their backs and not expect them to put their financial health at risk as well.”
The bill would ensure police officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections workers, nurses and all healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 receive pay during their time of illness. This would also apply to public safety and health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19 and are required to quarantine at the direction of their employer. Their own sick leave or personal time off benefits would not be used to make up for lost pay.
By executive order, Governor Walz has provided similar support for state workers. This legislation would apply to local government and health care professionals.
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