Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 13, 2020

Protecting Health during COVID-19 and beyond: A Global Examination of Paid Sick Leave Design in 193 Countries

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  • Heymann et al. assess the availability of paid sick leave in 193 UN member states. They found 27% of countries do not guarantee paid sick leave from the first day of illness, and 58% do not have explicit provisions to ensure self-employed and gig economy workers have access to paid sick leave benefits. 
  • Critical gaps remain between jeopardize health and economic security. Comprehensive paid sick leave policies that cover all workers are urgently needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and be ready to respond to threats from new pathogens. 

Heymann et al. (May 12, 2020). Protecting Health during COVID-19 and beyond: A Global Examination of Paid Sick Leave Design in 193 Countries. Global Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2020.1764076