Updated Requirements for Masks in the Workplace
In the latest COVID news, the CDC has reversed its position on mask mandates indoors for vaccinated individuals and is now recommending that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
For now, Cal/OSHA has not changed its official guidance, but the current Cal/OSHA regulations require employers to follow the stricter version of any federal, state, county, or city rules regarding COVID prevention. And one by one, counties are changing their mandates. So far, Los Angeles, San Ramon, Long Beach, and Yolo County have all started requiring masks indoors. Bay Area counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Berkeley, are now recommending (but not yet requiring) indoor mask-wearing. We anticipate that these counties, and many more, will change course soon.
What Do Employers Do For Now?
If your business performs work in one of the counties requiring masks, you must immediately re-implement universal mask-wearing in all indoor work spaces.
What Should Employers Expect In The Next Few Weeks?
Monitor your local county guidance on mask-wearing daily. You can use this resource to find out more about your county’s guidance:
Be prepared to notify your employees of any new COVID requirements, including mask-wearing.
Be prepared to provide masks to your employees.
The local ordinances and general guidance on mask-wearing and other COVID-related laws are changing daily. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email or call us anytime.
