On February 25, 2022 the CDC updated its masking guidance. The new recommendations are customized according to community risk. Each county across the US is designated “high,” “medium,” or “low” risk.
- “High” risk counties: residents are advised to mask indoors in public.
- “Medium” risk counties: residents should mask in some situations, including in high risk settings (for example in schools, indoor crowds, and congregate settings), if around individuals who are at high risk of severe illness, or if an individual’s doctor recommends masking.
- “Low” risk counties: residents need not mask.
Regardless of risk designation, the CDC recommends testing if symptomatic, vaccinating if eligible, and improving ventilation in indoor settings if possible.
CDC guidance is not mandatory, but it may assist employers as they establish and implement their own COVID related safety policies for the workplace. Following CDC guidance may also assist in demonstrating compliance with OSHA’s “general duty” clause, which requires all employers to provide a workplace free from known health and safety hazards.
Each employer will be faced with challenging decisions about whether and how to implement the new CDC masking guidelines into workplace safety policies. Soliciting input from your leadership team and employees may be helpful as you continue to manage changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Renew your commitment to a respectful workplace and encourage your employees to treat one another accordingly during these times of transition. If you need help navigating these changes, please reach out to any of the Lake Effect attorneys or HR professionals.
Lake Effect is here to answer your questions about COVID protocols and mitigation in the workplace. We continue to monitor important legal and HR developments, as well as COVID-related updates from federal, state, and local authorities. Please watch our blogs and emails for these important updates, as well as discussions of how compliance meets culture. To dive into these issues, contact us at info@le-hrlaw.com or 1-844-333-5253.
