Covid-19Worker Rights

April 30, 2020 by Arlo Hennessey

If I have COVID-19, what can my employer tell others about my condition?

Your employer is required by law to keep all medical information about you private and confidential.  It can, however, share your medical information with those who have a “need to know,” but only to the extent necessary.  For example, your employer may need to share with employees in your workplace that another employee has tested positive for COVID-19 so that those employees can take necessary precautions, such as self-quarantining.  But your employer may not need to share your name or other specific information about you in order to accomplish that goal.  Under those circumstances, your employer might violate the law by sharing your name with other employees.

DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended to provide accurate, general background information regarding legal rights relating to employment in Maine. It is not legal advice. Because laws and legal procedures are subject to differing interpretations and frequent change, particularly in an emergency, the authors cannot ensure the information is current or be responsible for how the information is used. Do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney or the appropriate agency about your rights in your particular situation.