Coronavirus News

Sailors Stranded by COVID Restrictions Could Refuse to Work, Causing Trade Disruption

Merchant ship crew members stranded at sea for months due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions could now start refusing to further extend their contracts and stop working, potentially disrupting global trade, the International Transport Workers’ Federation said late Monday [June 15]. …

Liability Waivers Not Always Effective But Employers Take ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ View

As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19. Businesses fear they could be the target of litigation even if they adhere to …

Investors’ Suit Alleges Firm Inflated Stock with Misleading Claims About Its Covid Test

An investor lawsuit against a Utah company alleges its principals falsely claimed its coronavirus diagnostic test was “100% accurate” and before doubts about the claim became widely reported, directors and officers of the company were selling off their own stock …

UK Insurers Cite Swedish Example in Bid to Dodge Coronavirus Biz Income Payouts

Insurers are set to argue against paying out fully on claims made by businesses forced to shut because of the pandemic, saying that shops in Sweden lost money even without a strict lockdown. The strategy was raised at the first …

California Workers’ Comp Direct Written Premium Continued to Fall Last Year, Report Shows

California workers’ compensation total direct written premium continued to decline in 2019, falling 7.0% to a five-year low of $11.42 billion, as nine out of the state’s 10 largest insurer groups wrote less premium in 2019 than in 2018, a …

Some Florida Bars, Restaurants Temporarily Close as Virus Cases Rise

Some Florida bars and restaurants are temporarily closing their doors after being back open for just a few weeks because workers or patrons have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The closures come as the number of new daily coronavirus …

Rental Company in North Carolina’s Outer Banks Sued for Refusing Refunds

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against a real estate company on North Carolina’s Outer Banks after it allegedly refused to issue refunds for people who couldn’t visit because of coronavirus-related travel restrictions. The Virginian-Pilot reported Wednesday that the suit …

California Has Now Recorded More Than 5,000 COVID-19 Deaths

California has recorded more than 5,000 COVID-19 deaths as cases continue to climb in several parts of the state. The state Department of Public Health reported 148,855 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 5,063 deaths since the beginning of the …

Vermont Governor Signs New Captive Insurance Industry Legislation

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has signed new legislation that aims to strengthen Vermont’s captive insurance laws, increase efficiencies and add flexibility to regulatory policy and procedures. “COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we all work, live and play, however it …

Health Experts Caution Over Disinfectants, Cleaning Methods Used in Rush to Reopen

Businesses across the U.S. have begun intensive Covid-19 disinfection regimens, exposing returning workers and consumers to some chemicals that are largely untested for human health, a development that’s alarming health and environmental safety experts. The rush to disinfect is well-intentioned. …