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In response to the declaration of an influenza virus epidemic by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Governor Jennifer González issued Executive Order 2026-005.
puerto rico
Employment and Human Resources
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Following the declaration of an influenza virus outbreak by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Governor Jennifer González issued Executive Order 2026-005, declaring a state of emergency implementing special measures to protect public health.
Such a state of emergency, issued on January 27, 2026, triggers the requirements of Law No. 37 of April 2020, amending the following provisions: Puerto Rico Vacation and Sick Leave Laws For non-exempt employees (or employees covered by the aforementioned law), Law No. 180 of July 27, 1998 granted them the right to a special five-day paid holiday.
This leave provides up to five paid work days for employees who have or are suspected of having the illness or communicable disease that caused the emergency (in this case, the influenza virus) and must have used up all of their eligible leave. This means that an employee must have used both vacation leave and regular sick leave before being eligible to use this special leave.
Employers must ensure that this new paid leave is granted where applicable.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. You should seek professional advice regarding your particular situation.