New workplace masking guidelines announced
Updated state COVID-19 workplace safety and health guidance released recently by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will help employers adapt masking policies to meet new CDC guidelines adopted by Gov. Jay Inslee.
The updated guidance details steps employers must take to continue keeping workers safe during COVID-19, while allowing for fully vaccinated workers in many sectors to remove their masks.
What’s new:
• Fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work, unless their employer still requires it.
• Before ending mask and social distance requirements, employers must confirm workers are fully vaccinated —by having the worker either sign a document attesting to their status or provide proof of vaccination.
• Employers must be able to demonstrate they have verified vaccination status for workers who are not masked or physically distanced. Verifications methods may include:
• Creating a log of workers who have verified they’ve been vaccinated and the date of verification,
• Checking vaccination status each day as workers enter a jobsite, or
• Marking a worker’s badge or credential to show that they are vaccinated.
• Other methods demonstrating an employer has verified worker vaccination status may also meet the standard.
• When verifying an employee’s vaccine status, acceptable documentation includes a CDC vaccination card, a photo of the card, documentation from a health care provider, a signed attestation from the worker, or documentation from the state immunization information system.
Evidence of the verification system must be available to L&I upon request.
What’s stays:
• Employers may still require mask use if they choose, and with some exceptions, employers must allow employees to wear a mask or other protective equipment if they choose to, regardless of vaccination status.
• If an employee is not fully vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown, employers must continue to require masks and social distancing.
• The new guidance does not change masking rules for health care settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities, or doctor’s offices; correctional facilities; homeless shelters; or schools. And the federal order requiring masks on public transportation remains in place.
• Employers cannot fire or discriminate against an employee who is at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and is seeking accommodation that protects them from COVID-19 exposure.
• Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear face coverings in all public spaces.
Health care plans available for unemployed
Need health coverage?
High-quality, low-cost health plans now available to unemployment recipients
Under a new federal law, anyone receiving at least one week of unemployment benefits in 2021 can now qualify for large savings on health insurance offered through Washington Healthplanfinder — the state’s online health coverage marketplace.
You can now receive a high-quality Cascade Care plan (silver level) for as low as $1 per month with a $150 deductible. You may also be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
You must enroll in a silver level health plan to receive the additional savings that lower your deductible and any required out-of-pocket costs.
To see the 2021 plan options and prices in your area, visit the official Washington Healthplanfinder website at wahealthplanfinder.org. Create an account and complete the online application. Report when asked that you receive or did receive unemployment income in 2021.
Submit your application, review your plan options, and enroll in a plan before Aug. 15.
