In the event of a public health emergency, regardless of whether a business or a school or childcare facility closes or an employee must care for themselves or a family member who has been exposed to a communicable disease, under the Safe Families and Workplaces Act, Rhode Island employers must allow 5 days (40 hours) of sick and safe leave time. The leave requirements also apply to preventative care, diagnosis, medical care or treatment for an injury or mental or physical illness for the employee, or care for the employee’s family or household. If an employee or family member is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the leave requirements also apply.