Puerto Rico Special Paid Leave Activated For Dengue Fever State Of Emergency

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Health & Safety, Employee Rights/ Labour Relations
• Law Firm: Jackson Lewis
• Author: Ana B. Rosado-Frontanés and Carlos J. Saavedra-Gutiérrez

The Puerto Rico Secretary of Health issued Administrative Order No. 2024-589, declaring a public health emergency due to the prevalence of cases of dengue fever on the Island. Administrative Order No. 2024-589, signed on March 25, 2024, went into effect immediately and will last for 90 days or until June 23, 2024, unless its duration is extended.

Accordingly, employers are required to provide eligible non-exempt employees who have or are suspected of having dengue fever the five-day special paid leave due to emergencies declared by the Government of Puerto Rico, under Law No. 37-2020. Under Law 37-2020, to be eligible for the special paid leave, covered employees who are sick ' or suspected of being sick ' as a result of an illness that triggers a state of...