In OSHA’s prior COVID-19 guidance published on June 10, 2021, the agency advised that at workplaces where all employees are fully vaccinated, most employers can cease taking steps to protect their fully vaccinated employees who are not otherwise at-risk from COVID-19 exposure in the workplace. However, the updated guidance references recent CDC guidance suggesting that fully vaccinated people who become infected with the Delta variant can be infectious and can spread the virus to others. Consequently, OSHA now advises that employers adopt the following measures recommended by the CDC for fully vaccinated employees:
- Fully vaccinated employees (as well as unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk employees) should wear masks in public, indoor settings in areas identified as having substantial or high community transmission. The guidance also recommends that employers suggest or require that unvaccinated customers, visitors, or guests wear masks in public, indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated employees may appropriately choose to wear masks in public, indoor settings regardless of community level of transmission, particularly if they are at increased risk of severe disease or have someone in their household who is at risk or not fully vaccinated.
- Fully vaccinated employees who have a known exposure to someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and should wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. OSHA also advises that unvaccinated employees who have close contact with a suspected or confirmed case should be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5-7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
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