Hello
New user. Was wondering if anyone is still requiring the use of masks and social distancing since the CDC updated their mandates?
Comments (19)
Good morning. The following is what we have shared with our employees...acknowledging that this is an "ever moving target":
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did before the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations. That includes local business and workplace guidance. You will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
Guidance for Unvaccinated People
If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others. Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially around people who don’t live with you. Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. Being in crowds makes you more likely to get or spread COVID-19, so avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. And wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
So dependent on where you are. NYC DOB... Construction, still wearing it.
Florida... masks? What are Masks???
NJ - I think that is going to be a permanent fixture on your face.
Lastly remember this. HIPPA does not apply to a company requesting Vaccination status. (Not to say other laws may prevent it). HIPPA only affects the medial and insurance industry from sharing information without consent. I am tired of telling the work force that it is not illegal for an employer to ask the employee to provide vaccination status under HIPPA.
We are getting lots of questions but are in a holding pattern for the moment. Some folks appreciate the patience, others not so much - so goes the life of the safety person!
Hey Rob,
Here's an article from HRDrive.com 5/14. It states that even thought CDC has relaxed their mask requirements, most companies are still holding off on an official stance and direction from OSHA to ensure compliance.
https://www.hrdive.com/news/cdc-relaxes-mask-guidance-but-employers-are-left-waiting-on-osha/600210/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202021-05-17%20HR%20Dive%20%5Bissue:34270%5D&utm_term=HR%20Dive
Best wishes,
Dustin
If the state and local levels drop the masks mandates and you follow those mandates, if OSHA does an inspection, would they cite you based on the protocols that were in place before the mandates were dropped?
Any thoughts folks?
Yes, still required for us. Today was rough though. Lots of questions asking if they do not have to wear masks and social distance... The CDC is releasing public health guidance, not workplace guidance. This disconnect further confuses people about an already-confusing pandemic.
Has anyone been through an OSHA inspection for COVID protocols? Was curious on what they are looking for
Yes we do still require it. We are closely monitoring local and state regulations to seek further guidance