All information in this COVID-19 Response Resource issue is effective as of July 7, 2020.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of Utah have consistently encouraged employers to require employees to wear face coverings in the workplace, particularly when such employees cannot maintain six feet of distance from other customers or employees.
On June 26, 2020, Salt Lake County enacted a Public Health Order that requires all individuals (who are two years old or older) and are able to “medically [and] psychologically tolerate a face covering . . . to wear a face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth in public areas where consistent social distancing of at least six feet is not possible, reasonable, or prudent.” The Salt Lake County order was originally set to expire Fri., July 4, 2020. The order has now been extended to Aug. 20, 2020.
Clearly, the county is emphasizing the importance of face coverings in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and highlights, again, the importance of employers requiring face coverings at work.
As discussed in previous updates, if any employee expresses reservations about wearing a face covering at work on medical or religious grounds, an employer should engage in the interactive process to discuss a potential compromise that could accompany the need for safety in the work place with the employee’s medical or religious need.
For more information about this or related matters, contact Christina Jepson at (801) 536-6820 or send an email to cjepson@parsonsbehle.com or Sean Monson by calling (801) 536-6714 or send an email to smonson@parsonsbehle.com.
