Employers must be prepared to address any situation with their employees showing the possibility of a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the workplace. Here are some recommendations:

1. Employers must inform their employees, preferably via an expert on the issue, what COVID-19 is and how it is transmitted, and establish best practices at work and at home, to avoid /minimize contagion.
2. Each company must have an alternate method of operation to deal with any crisis that may affect the company's normal operations, due to an outbreak of (COVID-19). One of these methods, among others, is the implementation of a work from home policy, which is currently (and recently) regulated in Costa Rica via a specific law and regulation, where they can sign a voluntary agreement with the employee to work under that modality for a specific term, as long as the functions that they have can be performed under that work structure.
3. If you have employees who have traveled to, whether for personal or work reasons, or traveled through, some of the qualified locations, to date, as high risk due to an outbreak of COVID-19, the employee must immediately notify his/her supervisor and work remotely for a period of fourteen (14) days, even if the employee does not show any symptoms of COVID-19. If the employee has symptoms, he/she should immediately seek medical assistance.
4. Take into account that prevention and having good hygiene practices within the company is vital to avoid the spread of the virus.

If you need assistance preparing a work from home policy, or if you need advice on this topic, contact us. The Employment & Labor and Immigration practice of Dentons Muñoz Costa Rica offers legal advice relating to:

• Legislation review to determine compliance with current labor regulations related to work from home policies.
• Legal opinions in reference to employment matters related to work from home policies or to the COVID-19 problematic.
• Practical and strategic tips to prevent future legal issues.

To obtain legal advice on Costa Rican Employment & Labor and Immigration Law, please do not hesitate to contact us.