Today, the Minnesota Legislature unanimously passed legislation that provides occupational protections for certain workers who contract COVID-19 on the job. The bill specifies that certain frontline workers, including health care workers, police officers, paramedics, corrections officers, and others are eligible for expedited workers’ compensation benefits for health issues that may arise due to the coronavirus.

“As Minnesota continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the bravery of our first responders and the sacrifices our they make for us every day,” said Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake). “While most Minnesotans do their part in confronting this virus by staying sheltered at home with their families, our first responders are on the front lines day after day. With the spread of COVID-19, they not only put themselves but also their families in harm’s way. This legislation allows Minnesota to show our appreciation for their sacrifices.”

The legislation guarantees that people in high-risk jobs who contract COVID-19 while performing their occupational duties are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits with a lower burden of having to prove the infection was a direct result of their job. Those Individuals with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 will be presumed to have an occupational disease, thereby making them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under state law. Most licensed peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, health care workers, correction officers, workers at secure state facilities, workers at long-term care facilities, and child care providers are among the classes of workers included in the bill.

The provisions of the bill expire on May 1, 2021.