Updated CDC Guidance: Masks in the Workplace

April 30, 2021
Hall Benefits Law, LLC

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic changes to the employment landscape over the past year, challenging employers to keep pace with ongoing updates to guidance from OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to protect employees from being exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace.

The CDC recently updated three of its resource pages that provide guidance on the use of masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  1. Guidance for Wearing Masks 
  2. Improve How Your Mask Protects You 
  3. Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

The new CDC guidance incorporates learning from several recent studies on the efficacy of different types of masks. In summary, the CDC recommends — and in some cases, requires — the use of masks as follows:

  • Masks should be worn in public by anyone over age 2. Those with a disability who cannot wear a mask or people for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to health or safety in the workplace are exempt.  
  • Wearing a mask is required if you use public transportation within the U.S., including in airport terminals, train and bus stations, etc.
  • Recommended masks include surgical facemasks, masks made with breathable cotton, masks with tightly woven fabric, multi-layer masks, and masks with inner filter pockets.
  • Masks that are NOT recommended include those made from non-breathable materials (leather, plastic), one-layer masks, loosely woven masks, ski masks, scarves, face shields, goggles, and masks with exhalation vents or valves.
  • Double masking offers better fit and protection. Best practice is to pair a disposable mask with a cloth mask on top. Do NOT combine two disposable masks or combine a KN95 mask with any other mask.
  • Masks should fit snugly against the face with no gaps. Use masks with a nose wire or use a mask fitter or brace to ensure proper fit.

The CDC continues to promote social distancing of at least six feet, hand washing, and getting vaccinated as important steps in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure you are in compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 678-439-6236.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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