The CDC updates Guidance for Mask Wearing

As many employers already know, the CDC endorses face masks as an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

This recommendation to wear masks by the CDC is based on what the CDC and general society now know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. 

Because it is currently known that COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (usually about 6 feet), the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

The CDC recently recommended that employers do not accept substitutes for masks. For example, the CDC does not currently recommend the use of face shields as a substitute for masks.

Consequently, an employer should reconsider face shields as a reasonable accommodation for someone with a disability like asthma who cannot wear a face mask at work. Please note that you may still have to engage in the interactive dialogue for anyone who has a qualified disability that would cause them difficulty breathing. Employees cannot work remotely so traditional FMLA leave may be in order if you are an FMLA eligible employer and the employee meets the eligibility criteria for FMLA leave.  

The updated CDC guidance can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html