In response to the spread of the Delta variant and the emerging Omicron variant, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced an updated “Mask Advisory” that affects all private-sector employers.
Effective, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health now advises that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering when indoors, when not at home. The Mask Advisory applies to private-sector work settings and implies that employers take steps to encourage face covering and social distancing in work environments. The Mask Advisory represents a change-in-course from the recent roll-back of state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Mask Advisory does not have the legal authority of a mandate, and there is no threat of fines or enforcement for those who disregard the recommendation. That said, the Mask Advisory may be interpreted as establishing a minimum standard of care for employers. As such, we recommend that all Massachusetts employers consider re-instituting formal face covering and social distancing protocols for their work environments.
Morse is focused on assisting our clients through these unprecedented times. Please contact Matthew Mitchell or Amanda Thibodeau should you have questions concerning this subject, or any other COVID-19 response matters.
