COVID Noise

(3 – 5 minute read)

Wow – there is a lot of activity, change, news, announcements, vaccinations, and let’s be real, a lot of noise out there about current standards and what we can or cannot do right now.

So, let’s cut thru some of this….

1. Right now, for your workplace, the MiOSHA Emergency Rules put in place back in October 2020 are still in force today. The only pending change, assuming state trends continue, are “policies prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely” will be rescinded on May 24, 2021.
2. Outside of this change, all the following (and more) are still in place until October 2021 unless amended by MiOSHA:
   • Having a COVID Plan
   • Having one or more designated COVID Plan safety coordinators
   • Masks (provided by employer)
   • Social Distancing
   • Handwashing & sanitizing
   • No sharing of common spaces
   • Barriers where distancing cannot be maintained
   • Health Questionnaires
   • Temp checks where possible
   • Industry Specific Requirements where designated
   • And more…….
3. Notices and announcements from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), think “Vacc to Normal”, about group gatherings – indoor or outdoor, masking outdoors, non-family group gatherings and similar do not apply to the workplace. Follow the MiOSHA order.
4. Notices and announcements from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about similar, including masking requirements (pre & post vaccine), gatherings, etc. also do not apply to the workplace. Follow the MiOSHA order.
5. Quarantine & Isolation requirements across the state follow MDHSS Guidance – currently 14 day for close contact quarantine; 10-days post first symptoms and 24-hours fever free for confirmed COVID case. However, local health departments do have the ability to use the shorter close contact quarantine protocol if conditions allow.
   1. Kent County (MI) has adopted this – After day 10 without testing; after day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later).
   2. Check your local health department for their current standard. If they do not have something posted prominently, assume the state standard of 14 days for close-contact quarantines.

Both you and your teams are taking in a fire hose of information every day, but in the workplace, the old saying “the more things change the more they stay the same” applies right now.  Relief is coming, so keep up the good work, keep yourself and your teams safe, and continue to encourage vaccinations for all who are eligible and able.