Jimmy Patronis orders workers’ comp for coronavirus-infected state employees 36 claims are already awaiting an answer.

By Renzo DowneyonMarch 31, 2020

Florida will start processing workers’ compensation claims from public servants who contract the novel coronavirus on the job.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis ordered the Division of Risk Management on Monday to review those claims submitted by “frontline state employees” who are required to interact with potentially infected individuals. The division has received 36 claims for COVID-19 since the virus was first reported in Florida.

“If we’re going to ask our public servants to fight this pandemic on our behalf, they have to know we’ve got their backs if they get sick,” Patronis, who doubles as the State Fire Marshal, said in a statement.

Law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, correctional officers, health care workers, child safety investigators and Florida National Guard members will be eligible for compensation. However, agencies can opt out of the compensation program and the state would not have to pay the compensation if it can prove the worker contracted the virus while not performing their duties.

It can take weeks for people to recover from COVID-19.

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