On April 15, 2022, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) announced that its Mask Mandate (“Mask Mandate”) implemented on January 29, 2021, requiring face mask on planes into & within the US would continue given the impact of the rise of Covid-19 cases in light of the new sub-variant of Omicron, BA.2.
However, just yesterday, April 18, 2022, Florida District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, rejected the CDC’s Mask Mandate in Florida and across the U.S. on the basis that the CDC had exceeded its authority in instituting a Mask Mandate.
In response to the Court’s rejection of the Mask Mandate, the CDC issued a statement stating that the Mask Mandate would no longer be in effect and that the CDC would no longer enforce the Mask Mandate moving forward.
While the mask mandates have been loosened for public indoor spaces, the striking of the CDC Mask Mandate for indoor public transportation settings is a major change. While the CDC continues to recommend that people wear mask on planes, some companies have already dropped their face mask requirements for employees and customers.
Do know that employers may still choose to implement stricter Covid-19 requirements to keep the workplace safe, this includes requiring your employees to wear face mask when they are traveling for a business purpose. Given the significant changes that have occurred since the outset of Covid-19 it is important for employers to update their written Covid-19 polices, which are required by Cal-OSHA. This also includes updating your travel policy to reflect the current guidance regarding protection related to the various strains of Coronavirus impacting the workforce. For more information on the current status of Covid-19 rules and regulations in the workplace, contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500.
