The D.C. Council passed a series of measures Tuesday designed to offer some relief to workers and businesses feeling the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
Lawmakers advanced an emergency bill by unanimous vote, putting everything from tax breaks to new worker protections into effect immediately.
The District is following the lead of other cities around the country and banning all evictions while the public health emergency continues, and is similarly barring companies from shutting off gas, water or electric service. The legislation also bars employers from firing anyone who’s quarantined with coronavirus, and lets workers apply for unemployment insurance if they’ve lost a job due to the pandemic.
The legislation also offers provisions aimed at helping hotel and restaurant owners, who are likely to feel the greatest economic strain while social distancing continues. The bill extends the deadline for businesses to file their sales taxes to July 20, with a provision that allows…
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