More Americans may soon be able to take more than three months of paid leave from work for sickness or to care for children and family members during the pandemic, if Congress approves a plan proposed by President-elect Biden.

Last spring, the first coronavirus relief package included paid leave. But a limited group of workers was eligible, and it expired in December. Now, as part of a wide-ranging plan to respond to the pandemic, the incoming administration has proposed reinstating and significantly expanding it.

Mr. Biden proposed offering paid leave to people who are:

Sick with Covid-19 symptoms

Quarantining because of Covid-19 exposure

Needing time off to get the vaccine

Caring for family members who are sick with Covid-19 symptoms