The NJ Attorney General has issued guidance that makes it clear that it deems the monkeypox virus to be a disability under the NJ Law Against Discrimination ("NJLAD"). The newly release guidance affirms that the NJLAD protects employees with the virus from related discrimination and harassment and provides a right to a reasonable accommodation in the workplace. It also highlights when an employer could send an infected employee home from work and outlines potential unlawful harassment claims that can arise if an employee is blamed for causing or creating risks of exposing others to monkeypox because they are gay.
If you have questions about rights associated with the monkeypox virus or about appropriate workplace procedures, reach out to Fried-Grodin Employment Law.