YOUNGSTOWN - Can your boss fire you if you call off work because you believe you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms? Right now, in Ohio, the answer is "yes."

Appearing on WFMJ Today, 21 News Legally Speaking attorney Dave Betras told anchor Andrew DiPaulo that Ohio is an employment-at-will-state.

That means unless a worker has a written employment agreement or union contract, an employer can terminate employment for any reason that is not contrary to law.

Writing in an informational brief prepared for the Ohio General Assembly, Attorney Paul Luzzi states that an employee who is discharged in violation of a statute, public policy, or the terms of an express or implied contract is considered to have been "wrongfully discharged" and may bring an action for breach of contract.

Betras, however, believes the current coronavirus outbreak could spur Ohio lawmakers to change the employment-at-will law to give workers more protection against being disciplined or fired for calling off sick during instances such as this pandemic.

Asked if there is any legal requirement to force employers to take the temperature of employees to make sure they aren't bringing a fever to work, Betras suggested taking Governor Mike DeWine's advice and taking your temperature at home and if you have a fever don't go to work.