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Oakland County orders essential workers to wear masks on the job

Posted at 11:16 AM, Apr 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-15 06:49:34-04

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County is requiring all employees providing essential services to wear face masks on the job, per an order issued Monday.

The order mandates that workers who have face-to-face interaction with customers or close contact with public goods purchased by customers must wear a "facial covering," according to the county.

A facial covering includes any covering which snugly covers the face and mouth, whether store bought or homemade, and which is secured with ties or ear loops. This does not include workers wearing N95 masks or surgical masks unless. These masks are critical for health care workers and police, fire and other emergency management services.

Businesses that fall under the category of an essential service must implement and comply to the new order by April 27.

Oakland County requires open businesses to also develop a daily screening program for all staff.

Screening criteria must include these topics:

  • Symptoms including but not limited to: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and/or diarrhea.
  • When a touchless thermometer is available, a temperature check is strongly recommended in lieu of verbal confirmation.
  • Any close contact in the last 14 days with someone with diagnosis of COVID-19.
  • Travel internationally or domestically in the last 14 days.

A yes to any of the above points requires the employee to be excluded at least 72 hours with no fever and if other symptoms have improved, 14 days if close contact of diagnosed case of COVID-19, and/or 14 days following travel.

These essential services include but not limited to grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible.

Read the full order below:

Health Order for Screening at Businesses 2020-07 by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

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