What are the new CDC mask recommendations?
On July 27, the CDC updated its indoor mask guidance, driven by the delta variant making up a majority of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. In areas with more than 50 new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days — currently more than 60% of all U.S. counties — masks are now recommended, no matter a person’s vaccination status.
The CDC recommendations for outdoor settings have not changed, with fully vaccinated people not needing to wear a mask outside.
Are there new mask guidelines for restaurants, retail, and other industries that are re-opening indoors?
The CDC has not made changes to its mask recommendations for workplaces and businesses. While indoors, the CDC still recommends that employees and customers wear masks as much as possible, including at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking.
However, some local governments have implemented new mandates in recent weeks. In Los Angeles county, masks are required indoors no matter your vaccination status except when you are ...
- actively eating or drinking in a specific location (table or counter).
- alone in a separate room or office.
- showering or swimming.
- performing or receiving personal hygiene or personal care services that cannot be done without removing your mask.
What options do businesses have moving forward? Can you require masks and vaccinations?
These new CDC guidelines do not come with penalties, though business owners should know their options while navigating the latest changes in policies across the country. In places with indoor mask mandates such as Los Angeles and St. Louis, businesses risk facing citations, fines or more serious penalties if they do not enforce those rules with employees and customers.
Even if a state has banned mask mandates for federal workers, private businesses hold the right to require their own employees to wear masks, as well as any customers who enter the business. Here are some ways to help make your customers feel comfortable.
The CDC also recommends a few best practices for managing employees during this time, including:
- Offer flexible, non-punitive sick leave options for employees experiencing side effects after vaccination.
- Allow time for vaccine confidence to grow and provide support (such as paid leave and transportation assistance) when employees decide to get the vaccine.
Additional information can be found here.
This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal, employment, or health advice. For specific advice applicable to your business, please contact a professional.
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