Connecticut Updates Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers and COVID-19

On April 24, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) updated its Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers. The new rule requires each employee of an essential employer to wear a mask (or other cloth face covering) while in the workplace; face coverings are not required while an employee is on a food/drink break. Employers must either (1) provide masks/face coverings to their employees; (2) provide materials and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tutorial for employees to make their own mask/face covering; or (3) compensate employees for the costs associated with making their own masks/face covering.

Masks/face coverings must be worn upon entering a workspace and in common areas or congregate settings, including hallways, stairwells, restrooms, warehouses, manufacturing floors and shared offices. Employees may, however, remove their masks when working alone in segregated spaces (private offices, cubicles with walls, etc.) or when eating.

The DECD provided additional guidance for employers if an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, including:

• notifying employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19, but maintaining confidentiality of the individual as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• ensuring that employees self-monitor for symptoms;
• ventilating areas visited by impacted employees; and
• cleaning and disinfecting all compromised spaces.

For the full list of Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers, visit the DECD's website.

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COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: As you are aware, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, things are changing quickly and the effect, enforceability and interpretation of laws may be affected by future events. The material set forth in this document is not an unequivocal statement of law, but instead represents our best interpretation of where things stand as of the date of first publication. We have not attempted to address the potential impacts of all local, state and federal orders that may have been issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.