Un-Masking the Truth About Masks

I was speaking to my Director of HR today about all the different rules about masks and how they keep changing. She jokingly said, “Well, I guess the government just learned that they like making rules so why not add some more.” How true this is!

Here is what you should know about masks, vaccines, and COVID:

• OSHA is expected to issue new workplace guidance soon but it the meantime says to follow the CDC’s advice.

So what does the CDC say?

• The CDC says those who are vaccinated can go unmasked without social distancing.

• They recommend that those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask, even in the workplace.

• The CDC did NOT address whether employers could require fully vaccinated workers to either continue to wear or remove face masks.

But…YOU MUST STILL CHECK YOUR STATE LAWS!

Seriously? Yup.

Many states are making their own rules when it comes to masks and vaccinated staff.

For instance: In California, starting 6/15, workers can take off their masks in a room only if EVERYONE in the room is vaccinated. If one person is not vaccinated, everyone has to wear their masks.

What you need to be aware of:

• Continue to be careful of the appearance in discrimination when it comes to vaccinated vs. unvaccinated staff.

• Be careful keeping vaccination information confidential, even if mask wearing points out who did not get vaccinated.

• Educate your staff on your expectations of behavior when it comes to vaccinated vs unvaccinated workers or masks vs no masks.

• Watch out for bullying, harassment, and pressuring among staff - people’s emotions are running high so be diligent in tamping down any issues quickly.