Spoiler alert: The place with hecka-cheesesteaks was flexing.
Philadelphia’s mask rules.
All Philadelphia businesses and institutions must require all employees and patrons — regardless of vaccination status — to wear masks indoors unless they require vaccinations for all employees and patrons.
Certain essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and urgent cares cannot utilize the vaccinated-only exception to the mask mandate. They must require masks for all staff and patrons.
But what about indoor dining? In restaurants that require proof of vaccination for everyone (staff and patrons), masks will not need to be worn. If the vaccine is not required for everyone that enters a restaurant, masks are to be worn by all patrons and staff the entire time while not seated and eating or drinking.
How about an outdoor concert? Everyone must mask up at all non-seated outdoor events in Philadelphia with more than 1,000 attendees.
Philadelphia’s new mask mandate took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 12. You can read more on the rules here and here.
OSHA’s meh.
On Friday, OSHA updated its COVID-19 guidance to include the new recommendations for businesses regarding fully vaccinated employees. Fully vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high transmission should be required to wear face coverings inside (or other appropriate PPE and respiratory protection) as well. Fully vaccinated people who have had close contact should get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after exposure and be required to wear face coverings for 14 days after their contact unless they test negative for COVID-19.
OSHA continues to recommend social distancing and masking for unvaccinated employees. Sick and symptomatic employees should stay home. And employers should continue to encourage employees to get vaccinated. Although, there is nothing in the new guidance about mandatory vaccinations.
While OSHA has not created any new requirements, businesses should strongly consider implementing these recommendations. Not only will they help keep the workplace safe, but they will also go a long way in defending employee claims concerning workplace safety.