U.S. senator proposes paid sick leave for swine flu

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U.S. senator proposes paid sick leave for swine flu Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Americans infected by the H1N1 flu virus would be

guaranteed paid sick leave under emergency legislation U.S. Senator Dodd

plans to unveil on Tuesday in response to the swine flu pandemic.

Dodd's measure is similar to one already introduced in the House of

Representatives intended to ensure that sick employees do not spread the virus

to others.

Dodd's office said the bill he is preparing would help people who have to chose

between losing a day's pay or possibly infecting co-workers.

" The legislation is intended to slow the spread of the disease by encouraging

those who have it to stay at home instead of come to work, while making it

easier for parents to care for sick children or deal with school closings, " the

senator's office said in a statement.

Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat who chairs a Senate subcommittee on children and

families, will announce the proposal at a hearing on Tuesday, according to the

statement.

California Representative last week proposed emergency legislation

that would require employers who tell workers to stay home when they are sick to

give them paid time off for up to five days.

, a Democrat who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, said the

emergency law would cover pandemic H1N1 flu or any other infectious disease.

Health officials have been urging anyone with flu-like symptoms such as cough

and fever to stay home, but up to 50 million Americans risk a day's pay and

perhaps their jobs if they do.

The pandemic H1N1 virus has infected millions globally, with more than 5,000

documented deaths.

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