Does the extension of Michigan’s emergency COVID-19 workplace rules mean all employees have to work remotely for another six months?

The St. Clair County Health Department is recommending businesses to allow remote working, if at all possible, in response to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the community. According to a press release, there have been 1,080 new cases since March 20, representing a 20.2% positivity rate. Social Distancing: Employees should maintain 6 feet physical distancing as work duties permit. Cohort Employees: Staff should work with a single cohort (group) if possible to limit potentialexposures. Send Sick Employees Home Immediately: Sick employees Sick employees should be tested for COVID-19 before returning and follow appropriate isolation or quarantine guidelines“Given the significant increase in cases, we must double down on our mitigation efforts”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, medical health officer of the St. Clair County Health Department.

The share of Indeed's job postings that mention “remote work” or “work from home" reached 7% last month, up from just below 3% a year ago. But in some industries, the gains were far more dramatic, including those that haven't traditionally welcomed remote work. “Remote work has become much more accepted.”Ford is just the latest company to allow more work from home after the pandemic. Company executives overwhelmingly report that remote work has succeeded during the pandemic, according to research by consulting firm PwC. About 55% said they envision allowing continued remote work, according to the survey of 133 executives of mostly large companies.

That shift to working from home could have a big impact on your income taxes. If you are a 1099 employee then you can take a home office deduction. “A lot of people were expecting to be able to write off their home office when in fact they can’t,” Luis Garcia with the IRS said. If you’re a gig worker, sub contractor of self employed -- or have a side hustle -- and use your home office only for that business then you can get the home office deduction. It’s important to note that if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future then you’re going to have to give back the deduction you receive now.