Federal bill seeks more sick days for workers as coronavirus cases increase

By: Susan Tebben - March 10, 2020 8:54 am

Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

A federal bill co-sponsored by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown wants to extend the sick day policies for all workers in light of continuing reports of coronavirus.

The legislation would allow workers to accrue a week of paid sick leave, along with an additional two weeks being made available “immediately in the event of any public health emergency, including the current coronavirus crisis,” a release from Brown’s office stated.

“The continued community transmission of coronavirus has highlighted the urgent need to pass paid sick leave legislation immediately,” the release stated.

The comments follow Monday’s announcement by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that three cases of the novel coronavirus had been confirmed in Ohio.

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Susan Tebben

Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow (KY) Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.