Puerto Rico: Special Paid Leave for Dengue Fever

On March 25, 2024, the Puerto Rico Secretary of Health issued an Administrative Order No. 2024-589, declaring a public health emergency due to the prevalence of cases of dengue fever. The Administrative Order No. 2024-589, went into effect immediately and will last for 90 days or until June 23, 2024, unless its duration is extended.  

Puerto Rico’s Law 37-2020 currently provides non-exempt employees who are sick or suspected of being sick due to a pandemic illness with up to 5 days of paid leave during a state of emergency declared by the Governor of Puerto Rico, or the Secretary of the Department of Health. The employee can use the 5 days paid leave once they have used up other available paid leave, including accrued sick leave. 

The Puerto Rico Health Department has issued an order in light of a recent health emergency due to increasing cases of dengue fever. Under the order, employers shall be required to provide eligible non-exempt employees who have or are suspected of having dengue fever 5 days of paid leave. The employee will only be eligible for the paid leave once they have exhausted all other available paid leaves. 

Takeaway: Employers should update their current policies, and make sure to provide their employees diagnosed with or suspected to have dengue fever with the leave entitlement if they require it.

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