The following is intended as a plain-language summary of rules and recommendations for mitigation of COVID-19 and does not replace the need to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Masks/PPE

• Masking is no longer required by the Health Department for healthcare workers, patients, or visitors in healthcare facilities.
• Employers must provide appropriate PPE to workers, including respirators (masks) if employees are expected to work with individuals with COVID-19.
• Masking is at the discretion of the healthcare agency in accordance with its infection control policies and practices. See the latest CDC recommendations.
• The Health Department advises that all operators of healthcare institutions develop and implement masking plans and guidance for staff based on the risk to certain patient populations as well as changes in COVID-19 and other respiratory virus activity in the community.
• No one should be prevented or prohibited from wearing a mask at any time.
• Healthcare workers are encouraged to mask when in with the home of a patient if the patient or family request that they do so.
• All staff in any location must continue to mask upon returning to work after a COVID-19 exposure or infection per CDC guidance.

Vaccination

Home healthcare workers who solely work in private homes or personal care homes are excluded from the vaccination requirement EXCEPT for those workers who also work in a COVERED facility, such as a nursing home, hospital setting, or any other covered healthcare-related service listed in the Vaccine Mandate Regulation.

Read the mandate (PDF) for complete information on covered healthcare-related services.

Isolate

• Staff who have the following symptoms should not report to work or be prevented from remaining on site: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, or new loss of taste or smell.
• Employers may choose to use self-monitoring or in-person screening or both methods. For those who choose self-monitoring: supply employees with a short fact sheet to remind them of the symptoms of concern, or post a sign stating that any employee entering the workplace certifies that they do not have symptoms of COVID-19, reinforcing the obligation to self-screen before entering the workplace.
• For those who choose to conduct in-person employee screenings: they may utilize temperature checks and asking the employee if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with of COVID-19. Employers should conduct this screening before employees meet others in the workplace, such as co-workers, patients, or visitors.
• It is not necessary to conduct on-site temperature measurement for staff. If you measure temperatures, use a no-touch thermometer, and do not allow anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher to remain on-site.
• Have sick leave policies in place so that employees excluded from the workplace do not lose earnings.
• If an employee develops COVID-19 infection or has a positive test, businesses and other organizations must take additional precautions to stop the virus from spreading further. See What to do if someone tests positive for COVID-19 at work for more information.