Afternoon Briefs: Employer COVID-19 tests OK, EEOC says; Pitbull trademarks signature shout
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EEOC: Employers can test for COVID-19 without violating ADA
Employers can require COVID-19 tests before allowing workers to enter the workplace, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The tests don’t violate the Americans With Disabilities Act if they are accurate and reliable, and they are job-related and consistent with business necessity. (EEOC summary, Law360)
Pitbull obtains trademark protection for signature shout
Pitbull has obtained a trademark for his famous “‘EEEEEEEYOOOOOO” shout. He is among 36 people who have registered trademark protection for sounds or sounds without words. (The Daily Business Review, Miami.com)
6th Circuit allows time-sensitive abortions in Tennessee
The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday narrowed a federal judge’s decision to allow surgical abortions to continue in Tennessee during the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeals court said surgical abortions should be allowed for patients likely to lose their ability to obtain an abortion after the state ban ends, as well as patients likely to be forced to undergo a more complex procedure if their abortion is delayed. A dissenting judge, U.S. Supreme Court shortlister Amul Thapar, would have upheld the ban, which doesn’t apply to abortions that are needed to preserve the life or health of the patient. (ACLU Tennessee press release, Fox News, 6th Circuit opinion via How Appealing)
Judge orders quicker release of immigrant children
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee of Los Angeles on Friday ordered the federal government to act more quickly to release detained immigrant children who have suitable custodians. Gee said the Trump administration is violating the 1997 Flores settlement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement provides standards of care for children in immigration detention. (CBS News, Gee’s order)
