COVID-19/Coronavirus

EEOC Updates Guidance on Religious Accommodations for COVID-19 Vaccines

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] On 3/1/22, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) answered more questions from employers on how to handle religious objections to COVID-19 vaccinations and requests for accommodation. New Questions Answered The updated guidance answers the following questions …

EEOC Updates Guidance on Religious Accommodations for COVID-19 Vaccines Read More »

URGENT CA: California COVID-19 Sick Leave is Back!

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (CA SPSL) is back. On February 9, 2022, Governor Newsom signed the bill (SB 144) into law. It will be effective on February 19, but the leave time is …

URGENT CA: California COVID-19 Sick Leave is Back! Read More »

OSHA Withdraws Temporary COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS Directive

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] OSHA issued a statement on the status of the OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS following the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s issued stay on Jan. 13, 2021. Per OSHA, “The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational …

OSHA Withdraws Temporary COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS Directive Read More »

URGENT: CDC Updates Timeline for COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated guidance for how long employees should be quarantined at home after testing positive for COVID-19, reducing the time from 10 days to 5 days in …

URGENT: CDC Updates Timeline for COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Read More »

Presidential Executive Order to Require Vaccine Mandate or Frequent Testing

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] On September 9, 2021, an Executive Order from President Joe Biden was issued, requiring all US employers with 100 or more employees to require COVID-19 vaccinations or a weekly negative test result before coming to work. This is …

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BREAKING: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Receives Full FDA Approval

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.   Pfizer’s is the first COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. to receive full licensure from the FDA, which experts said might make it easier for employers …

BREAKING: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Receives Full FDA Approval Read More »

FREE WEBINAR! Guardian HR Presents: Vaccines: can employers mandate them?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]With the pandemic on the rise once again and vaccination efforts slowing, the challenges facing employers are becoming increasingly complicated.  Join employment attorney, Michael Goldfarb, as he clarifies current vaccination issues affecting employers. Some of the issues that will …

FREE WEBINAR! Guardian HR Presents: Vaccines: can employers mandate them? Read More »

CDC Recommending a Return to Masks for All People, Regardless of Vaccination Status

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]With the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, the CDC has issued updated information and is recommending the wearing of masks in public, regardless of vaccination status, in areas of substantial or high transmission. This is especially emphasized …

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Cal/OSHA Board Votes to End Face Mask Requirements for Vaccinated Employees

On June 17, Cal/OSHA has voted on the proposed changes to the Emergency Temporary Standards which have been in effect since late 2020. Governor Newsom has made an executive order to bypass the usual 10-day legal review of the Cal/OSHA vote, and permit the new regulations to take effect when they are filed with the …

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Cal/OSHA Passes Amended COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Dear Client, Please disregard the previous LAWlert, which was drafted and set to send before yesterday’s late-night OSHA vote. The California Department of Industrial Relations released the following statement earlier today: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2021/2021-60.html The Board could consider new revisions at …

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URGENT OR: OR-OSHA Mandates COVID-19 Posters

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Dear Oregon Clients, The Oregon Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) has released 2 posters that are required for all Oregon employers who operate or otherwise control buildings where the employees of other employers work.   These two posters must be posted …

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CA: Side by Side Comparison of COVID-19 Paid Leave in California

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Guardian HR has put together a comparison chart of California laws on paid family leave, paid sick leave, 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and voluntary leave under FFCRA as amended by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). The California …

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URGENT CA: California Enacts 2021 Supplemental Sick Leave (Retroactively)

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]On March 21, 2021, CA Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 95 into law, which mandates that additional sick leave be provided for COVID-19 related reasons to employees in CA in addition to paid time off benefits which may be already …

URGENT CA: California Enacts 2021 Supplemental Sick Leave (Retroactively) Read More »

Recorded Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccines: What Employers Should Know

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]COVID-19 vaccines are here, and employers are facing tough decisions.  In an effort to help overcome these challenges, Benefit Comply, Guardian HR, and LISI have partnered to bring an exclusive webinar with expert knowledge and streamlined resources that will help …

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Recorded Webinar: COVID Vaccine Roundtable for Charter Schools

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]HUB International hosted a COVID Vaccine Roundtable for Charter Schools featuring Bob Radecki, Gary Clark, Charlene Forman, and Guardian HR’s President, Michael Goldfarb. The panelists shared their best practices with respect to the following topics:   Employment Law Issues Can employers …

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URGENT FEDERAL UPDATE: OSHA Issues Worker Safety Guidance for Coronavirus Protection Programs

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]On January 29, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued updated guidance and recommendations on workplace safety and coronavirus protection programs, which require greater input from employees and enhanced mask protections:   Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing …

URGENT FEDERAL UPDATE: OSHA Issues Worker Safety Guidance for Coronavirus Protection Programs Read More »

CA: California Counties Vote on Extending and Expanding Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]On January 26, 2021, the counties of Los Angeles and Sonoma in California voted on the expansion and extension of California’s Supplemental Paid Sick Leave.   For Los Angeles, the County Board of Supervisors has voted to expand and extend …

CA: California Counties Vote on Extending and Expanding Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Read More »

URGENT CA Alert: A.B. 685 Compliance Notice of Possible Exposure

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]For any employer operating in California, pursuant to AB 685, starting January 1, 2021, all employers must be prepared for multiple new notice requirements when employees test positive for Covid-19. There is a written notice that must be sent to …

URGENT CA Alert: A.B. 685 Compliance Notice of Possible Exposure Read More »

My Employee has Covid19 – Now What?

On behalf of Guardian HR, we hope you are well and stay safe throughout this holiday season.   While there is hope that we are getting closer to the end of the pandemic, the next several months will continue to present health, compliance, and operational obstacles for employers.   In our ongoing efforts to assist …

My Employee has Covid19 – Now What? Read More »

Employee Travel During COVID-19

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]As the holidays approach, many businesses have employees who travel or attend large family gatherings. Employers who have reopened their doors to working in-person will face questions about how to safely return to work after potential exposure during the holidays. …

Employee Travel During COVID-19 Read More »

Colorado Sick Leave For Employees

On the effective date of the act through December 31, 2020, all employers in the state, regardless of size, are required to provide each of their employees paid sick leave for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the amounts and for the purposes specified in the federal “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act” in the …

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Can Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]As COVID-19 vaccines become available, many employers will have a strong case for requiring employee vaccinations, so long as their vaccination policies have certain exceptions, are job-related, and are consistent with business necessity, legal experts say.   “Employers may require vaccines …

Can Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccinations? Read More »

CAL/OSHA’s Emergency Standard Compliance Checklist

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]On November 30th and effective immediately, Cal/OSHA’s emergency regulations require employers to protect employees from diseases like the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Cal/OSHA has posted the following resources to help employers comply with these requirements and to provide workers information on …

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CA: Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for California Employees Passed Into Law

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, Governor Newsom signed AB 1867 into law providing supplemental paid leave for California employees and codified provisions of Executive Order N-51-20 that had already provided paid sick leave for “food sector workers.”  California employers must take …

CA: Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for California Employees Passed Into Law Read More »

New Return-to-Work Guidelines for Employees with Covid-19

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Text”]Discontinuing Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 The CDC has laid out revised recommendations regarding when and how employees may return to work following testing positive for Covid-19.  The approach is for ending isolation and precautions for persons with …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in July: COVID-19 Return to Work Safety and Workers’ Compensation

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]If you’re in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you’re equipped with the right information to keep everything on track throughout …

Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in July: COVID-19 Return to Work Safety and Workers’ Compensation Read More »

Employee Garnishments and Changes Due to Covid-19

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] Three Steps to Avoid Default Judgments Whether in-person or remotely, employers may want to have their garnishment teams consider three steps right now that may defeat aggressive collections lawyers who seek to obtain a default judgment. First, while some garnishments may slow to a trickle or stop altogether, it may be prudent …

Employee Garnishments and Changes Due to Covid-19 Read More »

Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in June: Hours, Classifications, and Payment of Wages

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” …

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URGENT: Guardian HR’s Simple Guide to Determine if your Business is Ready to Open

Guardian HR recommends you follow these steps to analyze whether or not your company is prepared to open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides continuing to follow the recommendations issued by state and local health departments when determining the most appropriate actions to take, you should pay particular attention to the five steps listed below: Consider …

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URGENT: COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist Supplement

This alert is a supplement designed to be a part of our previous COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist LAWlert: The health and economic conditions created by the COVID-19 crisis have caused unprecedented disruption in the workforce. Now, as some employers begin to bring employees back to work, they are faced with a new set of challenges. …

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