HR Tip: New EEOC guidance related to COVID-19 and family members

In recent guidance (Question D.13), the EEOC said that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require employers to accommodate workers who want to avoid exposing family members who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

"The ADA does not require that an employer accommodate an employee without a disability based on the disability-related needs of a family member or other person with whom she is associated. For example, an employee without a disability is not entitled under the ADA to telework as an accommodation in order to protect a family member with a disability from potential COVID-19 exposure. Of course, an employer is free to provide such flexibilities if it chooses to do so. An employer choosing to offer additional flexibilities beyond what the law requires should be careful not to engage in disparate treatment on a protected EEO basis."