Many frontline employees will be able to get worker's compensation if they contract COVID-19 under a new emergency rule.
The rule assumes that police, firefighters, healthcare workers and grocery store employeed who contract COVID-19, got it on the job and are therefore eligible for worker's comp. Alice Johnson with the Illinois Nurses Association says the change is appreciated and necessary.
"As a result of their sacrifice nurses in Illinois are starting to get sick and infected. Sadly we have seen some employers argue with nurses about where they became infected, completely ignoring the obvious risk created by the work they do every day." Johnson said.
This covers several other industries including laundry service, resturants offering drive-through and delivery and more. Business groups oppose the new rule, saying employers are already struggling to get by.
