Pharmacy Workers Turn to Makeshift Virus Protections on the Job
Pharmacy workers are taking steps to protect themselves from exposure to the coronavirus, including putting up shower curtains to create makeshift barriers between workers and the public. Recommendations from the federal government continue to shift. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that pharmacy staff filling prescriptions need not don personal protective equipment. The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that retail, pharmacy, and other workers use some form of masks and that retailers should set up plexiglass partitions.
‘Wet’ Ink Signatures Requirements May Fade After Coronavirus (1)
Bloomberg Law’s Melissa Heelan Stanzione suggests that the wet signature requirement, that a document be signed in-person and with ink, could end as the COVID-19 pandemic restricts in-person interactions. eSignature use has already become widespread following the adoption of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), which gave eSignatures the same legal status as ink signatures for documents within their scope. Shelter-in-place orders may signal the need to adopt technology and transition to eSignature use for legal transitions outside the scope of ESIGN.
Google Hit With Harsh Copyright Ruling From Competition Watchdog in France
French national news agency Agence France-Presse filed a complaint last November against Google for abusing their market position in online news to force publishers to grant Google a zero-fee license. Google’s actions were purported to be in violation of recently adopted French copyright law, which granted publishers a neighboring right to negotiate a fee from online platforms and obliged parties to negotiate in good faith. The French Competition Authority has ordered Google to start negotiating in good faith immediately. Negotiations are expected to conclude within three months.
COVID-19: Now Infecting Cybersecurity
Law.com’s Jessica L. Copeland analyzes the recent attempts of cybercrime spurred by the COVID-19 paradigm shift. Malicious phishing emails purporting to be from the CDC or healthcare organizations, from company IT departments with instructions for remote working, and from human resources with guidelines for safe distancing and revised work schedules have become prevalent. Copeland makes recommendations to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
Florida Court Sets Rules for Use of Electronic Devices During Remote Proceedings
Miami-Dade Circuit Chief Judge Bertila Soto issued an administrative order outlining emergency procedures restricting use of electronic devices in remote court cases connected by communication equipment. Lawyers, the press, and the public will not be able to use their electronic devices, without the approval of the presiding judge, to take photos, videography, or audio recordings. The devices may still be used to send and receive emails and text, but must be silent. Further, news gatherers that are not professional journalists and members of the public must contact the court at least one day in advance to gain access to a remote hearing.
Location-Tracking Firm Helping Trump Get Reelected Now Wants to Cash in on Coronavirus
Phunware is a Tech advertising company that offers to app developers a service that allows the developers to record user data and create valuable behavioral history. Last year, Phunware was reported to have signed to work with a political consultancy founded by Trump’s campaign manager. CEO of Phunware Alan Knitowski explained that the company was pursuing opportunities to use their technology and user personal data to develop outbreak-related services. American Civil Liberties Union’s Jennifer Granick expressed concern about Phunware’s desire to enter into the spheres of public health, law enforcement, and employment.