States that gained access to emergency paid sick leave during the pandemic saw 400 fewer COVID-19 cases per day, according to a new study in Health Affairs.

Investigators examined the number of infections in these states following enactment of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March. The act called for two weeks of paid employee sick leave as part of an effort to curb the virus’ spread.  

The results translated to about one prevented COVID-19 case per day per 1,300 workers who were newly able to take paid sick leave.