Private and Confidential | © Copyright Lexology 2020
COVID-19 Weekly Report 27 April – 3 May 2020
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
2 © Copyright LBR 2020
Table of Contents 1. Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Content snapshot ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1. Chart 1: ILO work areas with most COVID-19-related content ................................................................................... 4
3. Key legal issues this week ........................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Expert commentary...................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. Africa and the Middle East ....................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1.1. Employment & Immigration.......................................................................................................................... 6
4.2. Asia Pacific ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.2.1. Aviation ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.2. Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2.3. Corporate & Commercial ............................................................................................................................. 7
4.2.4. Insurance ................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2.5. Intellectual Property .................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2.6. Litigation ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2.7. Real Estate ................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2.8. Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media .................................................................................................................... 9
4.3. Europe .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3.1. Competition & Antitrust ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.3.2. Corporate & Commercial ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.3. Corporate Tax ........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3.4. Employment & Immigration........................................................................................................................ 11
4.3.5. Healthcare & Life Sciences........................................................................................................................ 12
4.3.6. Intellectual Property .................................................................................................................................. 13
4.3.7. Litigation ................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.8. Shipping & Transport ................................................................................................................................ 14
4.3.9. Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media .................................................................................................................. 14
4.4. International .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.1. Aviation .................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.5. Latin America & the Caribbean .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.5.1. Environment & Climate Change ................................................................................................................. 15
4.6. North America ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.6.1. Aviation .................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.6.2. Employment & Immigration........................................................................................................................ 16
4.6.3. Franchising ............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6.4. International Trade .................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6.5. Shipping & Transport ................................................................................................................................ 17
4.7. United Kingdom ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.7.1. Employment & Immigration........................................................................................................................ 17
4.7.2. Franchising ............................................................................................................................................... 18
5. About ILO .................................................................................................................................................................. 19
5.1. Contact us ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
3 © Copyright LBR 2020
1. Foreword
Many countries have now passed the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with infection rates and daily death tolls
beginning to decline. Some jurisdictions are taking the first steps towards relaxing lockdown measures and
restarting their economies at large. However, the threat posed by the virus is still far from vanquished, with a
vaccine unlikely to be available to the general public before the end of the year.
As such, companies and their counsel will likely turn their attention to the numerous issues to consider when
reopening their businesses. Even in places where reopening is legally permitted, the question of whether, when
and how to resume on-site operations will need to be addressed with a finely balanced holistic approach which can
nonetheless adapt to ever-evolving government guidance and fast-moving developments concerning the virus
itself. Directors should be fully attuned to the fact that business will not automatically return to normal; on the
contrary, there will be a new normal to contend with for the foreseeable future. For most companies, navigating
their responsibilities as employers will be of utmost concern – with issues ranging from health and safety and
annual leave policies to business travel.
The next section summarises some of the most pressing legal issues faced by our in-house counsel audience over
the past week.
We endeavour to develop and refine the content of these weekly reports over time to ensure utmost relevance and
usefulness to readers' daily practice. As such, we invite you to send any feedback on how the scope of future
editions can be improved to [email protected].
Make your voice heard – take our survey now! The aim of the survey is to better understand what corporate counsel need in terms of content and support around the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure that we continue to offer a high standard of legal information at this challenging time. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6DQ8JCG
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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2. Content snapshot
2.1. Chart 1: ILO work areas with most COVID-19-related content
Chart 1 provides a summary of the top 10 most popular ILO work areas between 27 February and 3 May 2020.
Employment & Immigration has the most published COVID-19 content to date – a trend which is likely to continue
given the emergence of wrongful death suits and negligence claims against employers in several jurisdictions
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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3. Key legal issues this week
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Any plans to reopen workplaces must put employee and customer health and safety at the forefront. This will likely involve substantial changes to working practices, such as phased employee returns, reconfiguring offices to account for physical distancing rules and procuring sufficient sanitary supplies and protective equipment. The wider economic and practical impact of implementing these measures – potentially for many months – should be carefully considered.
1
PERSONAL DATA: Implementing health and safety measures will often require the collection of personal data – for instance, in the case of employee health checks to ensure their fitness to return to work after contracting COVID-19. Maintaining the confidentiality of such data, and holding it for no longer than absolutely necessary, will be vital to ensuring compliance with the relevant data protection laws, especially as the rules regarding personal health data are often much stricter than those covering other types of personal information.
2
EMPLOYER LIABILITY: Part and parcel with the aforementioned measures is the issue of employer liability for failure to adequately protect the health and personal data of employees. In some cases, not even strict compliance with the relevant government guidelines will be an absolute shield to negligence or statutory claims, as such guidance is often non-binding. Moreover, in some jurisdictions, breach of health and safety legislation constitutes a criminal offence. Employers should therefore carefully review their legal duties and insurance cover in this regard.
3
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4. Expert commentary
Over the past seven days ILO’s panel of expert international legal commentators have written about recent
legislative and regulatory guidance. Produced in partnership with a team of specialised editors, ILO content
provides readers with easy-to-digest insight into how COVID-19 is affecting a specific work area and jurisdiction
from a single thought leader in each jurisdiction.
If you would like to submit a question to the ILO panel, please email [email protected].
4.1. Africa and the Middle East
4.1.1. Employment & Immigration
Immigration permits and COVID-19
Nigeria - Bloomfield Law
This article outlines the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigration permits as employers apply to
expatriate workers in Nigeria. Immigration permits are time bound and for a definite period. Thus, one key question
remains: if the lockdown is extended for several months beyond the initial 14-day period, will it be necessary to
extend the tenure of the expatriate quota to cover the lockdown period in affected states?
Authors: Adekunle Obebe, Bolaji Fasehun, Solomon Oshinubi
Read more
4.2. Asia Pacific
4.2.1. Aviation
COVID-19: MAVCOM issues commentary on impact of potential government aid
Malaysia - SKRINE
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the Malaysian economy during this period of uncertainty and crisis depends
on national-level efforts to contain the virus. Until then, the global restrictions imposed on travel will continue to
severely undermine the aviation industry, possibly to the extent of necessitating government intervention in the
market. It would be prudent for the government to consider the Malaysian Aviation Commission's position when
conducting any cost-benefit analysis of measures or aid.
Authors: Trevor Jason Mark Padasian, Ryan Jaafar
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4.2.2. Construction
COVID-19 and construction projects – what you need to know and what you can do
now
Malaysia - SKRINE
In its effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has implemented the Movement Control Order
(MCO) throughout Malaysia. The MCO has affected the performance of non-essential works, including works at
project and construction sites where workers are required to stop work. Questions remain, including does the
COVID-19 outbreak or the MCO constitute a force majeure event? And how does the outbreak or the MCO affect
parties' rights and obligations in terms of timing and costs?
Authors: Shannon Rajan, Jocelyn Yean Tse Lim
Read more
4.2.3. Corporate & Commercial
Force majeure and impact of COVID-19 on contractual obligations
Indonesia - ABNR
Given the economic dislocation caused by the spread of COVID-19, many parties facing difficulties in performing
contracts will be considering their legal situation. Can they be held liable for damages for a breach of contract or
losses suffered by third parties due to circumstances beyond their control or does the law provide a relief
mechanism for dire circumstances such as these? Although Indonesian law provides a relief mechanism, it is a
difficult one of which to avail.
Authors: Emir Nurmansyah, Nafis Adwani, Agus Ahadi Deradjat
Read more
4.2.4. Insurance
COVID-19: regulatory updates
India - Tuli & Co
In order to address the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic in India, the government has issued various
notifications, including a nationwide closure of all public and private establishments (except for essential service
providers), which have had a direct impact on the normal functioning of entities, including those in the insurance
sector. This article provides an overview of the key notifications and guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Celia Jenkins, Anuj Bahukhandi, Nimisha Srivastava
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4.2.5. Intellectual Property
TIPO releases patent information for COVID-19 clinical trial drugs
Taiwan - Lee and Li Attorneys at Law
Research and development (R&D) efforts for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment methods are in full swing. To
promote and protect the results of this R&D, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has verified the
Taiwanese patent database by comparing it with the COVID-19-related clinical trials currently registered in the US
clinical trial database. Further, TIPO has released current Taiwanese patent information regarding COVID-19-
related clinical trial drugs for public reference.
Author: Tsung-Yuan Shen
Read more
4.2.6. Litigation
General adjournment did not extend duration of urgent injunction
Hong Kong - RPC
In Hong Kong, the courts have generally been closed, save for urgent and essential court business, as a result of
COVID-19. Details have been set out in various public notifications issued from time to time by the judiciary
administration. However, a court has held that the general adjourned period (GAP) does not generally extend the
duration of an injunction granted on an urgent basis before the GAP commenced and listed for a return date (for
continuation or discharge) that falls during the GAP.
Authors: Antony Sassi, David Smyth
Read more
4.2.7. Real Estate
COVID-19: no running around condominium compound
Malaysia - SKRINE
With the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,
the movement of Malaysian residents is effectively restricted to their homes unless it is for essential needs. For
strata property residents, the foremost question in their minds is whether movements within the common properties
are restricted. Can residents jog around the condominium during the relevant period? Can the poolside cafe open
for business?
Authors: Jocelyn Yean Tse Lim, Jeremiah Ch’ng
Read more
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4.2.8. Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media
PTS Channel 3 assigned to provide support for distance learning during pandemic
Taiwan - Shay & Partners
The National Communications Commission recently reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education that due
to possible school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, Channel 3 of Public Television Services will be
assigned to provide support for distance learning to meet the needs of junior and high schools nationwide.
Author: Arthur Shay
Read more
4.3. Europe
4.3.1. Competition & Antitrust
Merger control time limit suspension extended
Denmark - Gorrissen Federspiel
On 16 March 2020 significant parts of Denmark's public administration were shut down as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic. Although the shutdown has begun to ease up, the merger control time limit suspension remains and has
been extended by executive order until 10 May 2020.
Authors: Martin André Dittmer, Thomas Skou
Read more
FCO guidance on cooperation between competitors during COVID-19 crisis
Germany - Fieldfisher (Germany) LLP
The antitrust authorities have signalled their approval for cooperation between competitors during the ongoing
COVID-19 crisis. President of the Federal Cartel Office Andreas Mundt and EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager
emphasise that the authorities are open to direct communication. According to Mundt, even after the crisis,
cooperation might be necessary to overcome economic difficulties.
Author: Sascha Dethof
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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COVID-19: state aid scheme sets maximum prices and margins for certain goods
Poland - Schoenherr
The European Commission recently approved a state aid scheme worth Zl3.5 billion (approximately €700 million)
for loans and guarantees to support the Polish economy in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. The scheme will
allow the Polish authorities to grant aid to support Polish companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak by
providing liquidity support in the form of guarantees on loans and subsidised interest rates for loans. This article
addresses the new competition rules under the scheme.
Author: Agnieszka Stawiarska
Read more
4.3.2. Corporate & Commercial
Electronic signing of documents in light of COVID-19
Guernsey - Ogier
With self-isolation and social distancing now the rule rather than the recommendation, working from home has
become the norm. Although these actions have proven necessary, they also present certain logistical and
administrative obstacles to companies continuing their business efficiently and effectively. Key questions in this
regard are whether the directors of a Guernsey company can execute documents electronically and whether they
can rely on documents executed in such a manner.
Authors: Craig Cordle, Bryon Rees, James Walsh, James Dickinson
Read more
COVID-19 and business: force majeure
Slovakia - Allen & Overy LLP
Within the framework of commercial relationships, the question has arisen as to whether the COVID-19 pandemic
may be considered a force majeure event and, if so, what impact this could have on contractual obligations.
Notably, the occurrence of a force majeure event does not automatically relieve the liability to fulfil an obligation.
Authors: Matej Kosalko, Martin Magal
Read more
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4.3.3. Corporate Tax
Tax measures introduced due to COVID-19
Cyprus - Elias Neocleous & Co LLC
The government has introduced a variety of tax measures intended to help taxpayers preserve their cash flows and
ease the administrative burden on them during the COVID-19 health emergency. In this regard, the deadlines for
payment of indirect taxes and those pertaining to tax returns have been extended.
Author: Elena Christodoulou
Read more
Tax measures to support businesses during СOVID-19 pandemic
Russia - Gorodissky & Partners
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to combat it will have a significant impact on both the global and
Russian economies. The government has taken a number of measures to stop the spread of the virus, such as
suspending the activities of most Russian businesses, including service providers, from 27 March until 30 April
2020. As such, the government has also had to adopt a comprehensive support programme for affected
businesses.
Author: Valery Narezhniy
Read more
4.3.4. Employment & Immigration
How to introduce a temporary COVID-19 unemployment regime based on force
majeure
Belgium - ALTIUS
Until recently, when considering implementing a temporary unemployment regime within a company, employers
could, depending on their specific situation, apply for the temporary unemployment regime based on either 'force
majeure' or 'economic reasons'. The government has implemented a temporary COVID-19 unemployment regime
whereby if an employer is faced with temporary unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this situation is
automatically considered to be force majeure.
Authors: Phillipe De Wulf, Esther Soetens, Emma Van Caenegem
Read more
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New COVID-19 employment measures to respond to economic crisis
Belgium - ALTIUS
The government has adopted new socio-economic measures that aim to support the Belgian economy during the
COVID-19 economic downturn. Most of the measures seek to encourage individuals to continue working and allow
for more flexibility in the way that work can be carried out. This article provides an overview of the different
measures that have been approved by the Council of Ministers.
Authors: Phillipe De Wulf, Esther Soetens, Astrid Caporali
Read more
Prohibition on termination and unilateral unpaid leave enters into force
Turkey – Gün + Partners
The Law on Minimising the Impacts of the New Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak on Economic and Social Life
and the Amendment of Certain Laws recently entered into force. The most significant amendments include the
prohibition on employers terminating employment contracts for three months as of 17 April 2020 and the provision
that employers can impose unpaid leave without an employee’s consent during the three-month prohibition period.
Authors: Beril Yayla Sapan, Asena Aytuğ Keser
Read more
4.3.5. Healthcare & Life Sciences
Medical supplies: public procurement procedures in cases of extreme urgency
Belgium – ALTIUS
The COVID-19 outbreak has created an urgent need for certain goods, including medicines and medical devices.
However, do public authorities (eg, hospitals) still need to follow the complete public procurement procedures to
procure these urgently needed goods? In cases of extreme urgency, such as that presented by the COVID-19
pandemic, contracting authorities can use the negotiated procedure without publication to place tenders.
Authors: Vera Van Thuyne, William Timmermans
Read more
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Federal government restricts sale of PPE and medical devices for fighting COVID-
19
Belgium - ALTIUS
The minister of economic affairs recently adopted a ministerial decree which restricts the retail and wholesale
distribution of certain types of personal protective equipment and medical devices used for treating COVID-19
patients. Further amendments were implemented by ministerial decrees on 27 March 2020 and 7 April 2020. This
article provides a short description of the relevant trade restrictions followed by a legal analysis in light of
fundamental principles of EU law.
Authors: Christophe Ronse, Hanne Baeyens
Read more
4.3.6. Intellectual Property
Patent infringement to deal with COVID-19 emergency: possible exemptions
Italy - IP Law Galli
In a province badly affected by COVID-19, valves for respirators used in hospitals in emergency COVID-19 therapy
have been replicated locally with a 3D printer (the original valves are reproduced and patent protected) to cope with
valve shortages and the impossibility of receiving them in time from the authorised manufacturer. In this case, the
fact that a 3D printer is being used for non-commercial production purposes could be per se relevant as an
exemption from liability.
Author: Cesare Galli
Read more
4.3.7. Litigation
COVID-19: securing receivables while enforcement is suspended
Slovenia - Schoenherr
One of the measures adopted to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Slovenia is the suspension of all non-urgent
court proceedings, including enforcement proceedings, until further notice. However, the suspension of court
proceedings does not apply to urgent matters, including all security proceedings under the Claim Enforcement and
Security Act, provided that they do not require physical contact between the participants.
Authors: Bojan Brežan, Jan Primožič
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4.3.8. Shipping & Transport
Cyprus ship registry: updates on precautions for mariners in relation to COVID-19
Cyprus - Elias Neocleous & Co LLC
The Shipping Deputy Ministry recently informed the registered owners, charterers, ship managers and
representatives of Cyprus-flagged ships of a number of new circular letters issued by the International Maritime
Organisation. All owners and managers of Cyprus-flagged ships are advised to take note and implement the
measures contained in the circular letters and the interim advice for ship operators prepared at the request of the
Directorate General for Health and Food Safety.
Authors: Costas Stamatiou, Vasileios Psyrras
Read more
4.3.9. Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media
COVID-19: telecoms and data protection developments
Austria - Schoenherr
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telecoms providers must now send mass alerts (eg, regional access prohibitions)
via text message on order of the government and provide traffic and location data for the purposes of evaluating
whether individuals are complying with quarantine orders. In addition, a number of legislative developments have
taken place with respect to data protection. This article outlines these recent changes.
Author: Günther Leissler
Read more
4.4. International
4.4.1. Aviation
COVID-19: aircraft lessor checklist International - Vedder Price LLP
Although the full effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are unknown, one thing that is certain is that leasing companies
are receiving, and will continue to receive, requests from lessees across the globe to defer lease rentals and
otherwise restructure leases. Luckily, there are numerous actions that leasing companies can take now, or as part
of any rent deferral or restructuring discussion, to ensure that they are as prepared as possible should enforcement
or related action be required in the future.
Authors: Bill Gibson, James Kilner, Adam R Beringer
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4.5. Latin America & the Caribbean
4.5.1. Environment & Climate Change
CONAGUA moves forward with online procedures system during COVID-19
quarantine
Mexico - Hogan Lovells BSTL SC
Given the current situation brought about by COVID-19 and the subsequent suspension of private and
governmental activities, the National Waters Commission (CONAGUA) has been reconsidering its online
procedures system, which was initially published in the Federal Official Gazette on 1 October 2018 but was not
implemented until late 2019. CONAGUA's ultimate goal in this respect is the complete substitution of traditional in-
person-initiated procedures with their digital counterparts.
Authors: Brenda A Rogel Salgado, Jeanett Trad Nacif, Mario Jorge Yanez, Javier
Camacho
Read more
4.6. North America
4.6.1. Aviation
Proposed class action claims refunds for flights cancelled due to COVID-19
Canada - Bersenas Jacobsen Chouest Thomson Blackburn LLP
Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, and Swoop are facing a proposed class action for offering vouchers
and credits in lieu of refunds for flights that were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains to be seen
whether a class action with such a wide scope – as opposed to a government bailout or coordinated response from
regulators – will be considered the most efficient way to deal with the claims of those whose flights have been
cancelled due to COVID-19.
Authors: Carlos P Martins, Emma Romano
Read more
FAA grants airlines relief from airport slot use restrictions due to COVID-19
USA - Cozen O'Connor
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that US and foreign carriers that cancel or reduce
service at US slot-controlled airports will not forfeit their slots. The FAA is waiving its 80% minimum use
requirement for slots at certain US slot-controlled airports until 24 October 2020. Foreign carriers' retention of their
slots at US airports is contingent on reciprocity.
Author: David Heffernan
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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4.6.2. Employment & Immigration
Open for business: how 'essential' businesses can keep their workplace healthy
and safe
USA - McDermott Will & Emery
Most states have issued some form of 'shelter in place' or 'stay at home' order to flatten the curve of COVID-19. As
a result, many business operations have been temporarily suspended, unless the business is engaged in essential
or critical infrastructure functions or supports businesses engaged in such functions. For businesses that are
considered 'essential' and have employees still reporting to work, what steps can employers take to keep their
workplace healthy and safe?
Authors: Michelle Strowhiro, Lindsay Ditlow
Read more
4.6.3. Franchising
COVID-19 and the franchise landscape Canada - Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melançon LLP
While some franchised businesses have transitioned to working remotely and have ramped up their e-commerce
business models in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of traditional franchised businesses are in a
precarious state due to a drastic reduction in revenues and uncertain economic conditions for the foreseeable
future. This article sets our practical tips and considerations for franchisors and franchisees with respect to
navigating COVID-19.
Authors: Bruno Floriani, Marissa Carnevale, Tanya Nakhoul
Read more
4.6.4. International Trade
FEMA: certain exports of respirators, masks and gloves exempt from ban
USA - Arent Fox LLP
In a notification of exemptions action recently published for public inspection, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) set out a list of exemptions to its requirement for prior approval to export previously identified
scarce medical personal protective equipment. However, despite its attempt to clarify previous rules and guidance,
FEMA's notice has raised nearly as many questions as it answers.
Authors: Sylvia G Costelloe, Kay C Georgi, Regan K Alberda, Marwa M Hassoun
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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Importing and COVID-19: companies suffering financial hardship granted reprieve
to pay duties USA - Arent Fox LLP
Effective 20 April 2020, the government has introduced a temporary 90-day postponement of certain import
payment deadlines for companies and individuals experiencing significant financial hardship due to the economic
fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement follows a previously abandoned US Customs and Border
Protection action to provide relief, intense lobbying on both sides of the issue and mixed signals from the Trump
administration.
Authors: David R Hamill, Teresa Polino, David Salkeld, Antonio J Rivera
Read more
4.6.5. Shipping & Transport
USCG guidelines in response to COVID-19 pandemic
USA - Wilson Elser
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Coast Guard has released a series of marine safety
information bulletins to keep the marine industry informed and provide guidance for the continued safe operation of
the maritime transportation system. The bulletins detail key maritime issues associated with the COVID-19
pandemic, including reporting requirements for illness or death, vessel inspections, exams, documentation and
federal drug testing requirements.
Author: Katherine W Lynch
Read more
4.7. United Kingdom
4.7.1. Employment & Immigration
Government plans to go ahead with reformed points-based immigration system
despite COVID-19 United Kingdom - Lewis Silkin
The Home Office has released an update for employers on the new points-based immigration system due to take
effect from January 2021. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, the Home Office still intends to go ahead
with the new immigration system within the timeframe outlined in its policy statement released on 19 February
2020. What does this mean for UK employers?
Authors: Stephen O'Flaherty, Ella Skinner
Read more
COVID-19 Weekly Report | 04/05/2020
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Ramadan, COVID-19 and lockdown – how can employers support their staff?
United Kingdom - Lewis Silkin
Ramadan began on the evening of 23 April 2020 and will last for 30 days (until the evening of 23 May 2020), which
means that some or all of it will be taking place under the continued lockdown imposed on account of the COVID-
19 pandemic. What issues do employers need to be aware of during Ramadan?
Author: Tom Heys
Read more
4.7.2. Franchising
Retention of title – how can franchisors and suppliers best protect claims against
insolvent companies? United Kingdom - Fieldfisher LLP
In the wake of the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 crisis, a number of high-profile brands in the leisure
and hospitality sectors have entered or will soon enter into formal insolvency processes. Although failure rates
among franchises are typically lower than among non-franchised businesses, franchising will not be immune to this
trend. It is therefore important that franchisors and suppliers ensure that they have the contractual rights to act
quickly and effectively if the need arises.
Author: Gordon Drakes
Read more
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5. About ILO
ILO delivers expert legal commentary, in the form of concise weekly newsletter emails, to senior corporate counsel
and law firm partners worldwide. Free to receive, the ILO newsletters have been providing tailored, quality-assured
updates on global legal developments to more than 72,000 registered subscribers since 1998.
ILO content is generated in collaboration with over 500 of the world's leading experts and covers more than 100
jurisdictions.
Produced in partnership with a team of specialised editors, the ILO newsletters provide editorially-driven, high-
quality legal news in the form of concise, regular updates from a single leader in their field.
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