As the pandemic continues to rage on, the EEOC quietly updated its COVID guidance earlier this month rolling back some (but not all) of the discretion afforded to employers.

The biggest change has to do with testing as a condition of returning or remaining at work.  The new guidance puts some bumpers on employers’ use

This isn’t the end of the pandemic. But it’s starting to feel a lot closer than it has for a while.

First off, the omicron wave has crested in Connecticut. There may still be more variants to worry about but at least for now (a few weeks? months?), cases are declining significantly in Connecticut —

Way back in January 2021, I set forth my predictions for the year as I’ve done several times before.

But this line sticks out:

[H]ere’s hoping that 2021 brings some renewed hope and optimism. It’s going to be a tough stretch but I’m hoping that we may be closer to the end of this pandemic

The Omicron Wave is either nearly here or already here in Connecticut depending on what reports you listen to.

For employers, its difficult to know exactly what to expect particularly over the next few weeks; there is no statewide mask mandate, for example, and no closures anticipated from state or local governments.  Yet, this strain

Put aside, for the moment, fears of the omicron variant. We just don’t know enough about it even though Connecticut had its first case announced this weekend.

And put aside, for the moment, the new mandate in New York City that is requiring all employers to require proof of vaccination for employees.

Rather, I