GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer hosted a press conference Monday morning in Grand Rapids to provide an update on MIOSHA return-to-work guidelines.
The update on MIOSHA return-to-work guidelines coincides with the first step of the MI Vacc to Normal plan.
Now that the state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, MIOSHA has removed the requirement that employers must create a “policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” The agency has also rescinded the draft permanent COVID-19 rules, and the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 is canceled. You can read the updated emergency rules online.
MIOSHA is taking steps to help businesses get back to normal. MIOSHA says all employees can now return to in-person work.
MIOSHA’s emergency rules have been updated to integrate the latest CDC guidelines on masks. Fully vaccinated employees will no longer be required to wear masks at work under the revised MIOSHA rules. Individual businesses can still enforce their own mask mandates and in-person work rules.
MIOSHA has made the following changes to its emergency rules to reflect the latest order from MDHHS and CDC guidance:
- Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to not wear face coverings and social distance provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.
- The rules have been reformed focusing on performance, eliminating industry-specific requirements. Definitions have been updated to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.
- Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.
- Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.
MDHHS also updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order, eliminating outdoor capacity limits and increasing indoor social gatherings, including weddings, conferences and funerals, to 50% capacity. Under the new order, which goes into effect Tuesday, June 1, and continues through Thursday, July 1, masks will continue to be required indoors for individuals who are not yet vaccinated.
After her press conference regarding updated COVID-19 rules, Whitmer held a bill signing event at Long Road Distillers.
Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill package which will support Michigan distillers and help them expand their businesses.
