Mask Policy Update
GOODWILL NORTHERN MICHIGAN MASK AND FACE COVERINGS POLICY
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 5, 2021
This updated mask policy is effective beginning Thursday, 8/5/2021 and applies to all Goodwill Northern Michigan employees and volunteers at all our locations, regardless of vaccination status.
Several communities in our region are seeing a surge in COVID-19 infection rates due to an uptick in cases and the emergence of the highly-contagious Delta variant. In these areas of “substantial spread,” there is a high likelihood that an employee, customer, or client will bring COVID-19 into the workplace. Unfortunately, we expect to see more of our communities experiencing surges in infection rates in the coming days and weeks.
Recently the CDC updated guidance for fully vaccinated people in response to the increase in the spread of COVID-19 and emergence of the Delta variant. In areas of substantial or high transmission like many counties in Northern Michigan, it is now recommended that fully vaccinated individuals wear a mask in public indoor settings.
As a result, and in accordance with the most recent recommendation from the CDC, effective August 5, 2021, Goodwill Northern Michigan will require all employees to wear a mask while at work, regardless of vaccination status or work location. Employees are permitted to remove their masks while at their workstation, or while eating or drinking, but must replace their mask while moving about the workplace. Employees are also asked to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet where possible while working or on break.
This decision was made to protect all of our Goodwill Northern Michigan employees and workplaces. We want to do all we can to keep our COVID-19 infection rate low in light of the recent uptick in cases as well as the emergence of the Delta variant. All employees must comply with mask wearing or be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Goodwill Northern Michigan’s progressive discipline policy.
Additionally, quarantine requirements for individuals who have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are still in effect for all employees. Quarantine requirements have not changed, and you can read more about them below.
The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, free, and widely accessible in Northern Michigan. We offer a $75 Meijer gift card incentive to employees who get their full COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone aged 12 years and older is recommended to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible to keep from getting and spreading COVID-19.
As state and federal authorities release new health and safety guidance and requirements related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Goodwill Northern Michigan will continue to update our employees on our related business practices.
I also have a few important reminders:
Completion of the daily health screening questionnaire is still required prior to you starting work each day.
If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, do NOT come into work! Instead, call your manager immediately to inform them so they can work with HR/Safety to assess any possible risk of exposure in the workplace and take any further mitigation steps if needed.
Symptoms for the Delta variant of COVID often mimic cold symptoms – sore throat, runny nose with or without fever.
If you are known to have allergies, it may be hard to distinguish. Getting a COVID test is always recommended to differentiate.
Continue to practice safe distancing in the workplace and break areas, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
Masks provide protection against being infected with COVID-19 and against infecting others. Consistent and layered use of multiple prevention strategies, such as masking, physical distancing, and hand washing, can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support in keeping our workplace as safe as possible for everyone.
Allison Cavanaugh
Director of Human Resources and Workforce Development
Quarantine Requirements
Unvaccinated people with symptoms of COVID and those who test positive for COVID are required to isolate for 10 days following the onset of symptoms or a positive test.
If you test positive, anyone else you may have exposed should be identified and they should isolate as well.
To leave quarantine, your symptoms must be resolving.
Unvaccinated people who are exposed to a known positive or someone with COVID symptoms must isolate for 14 days and be symptom free to leave quarantine. Or, they may isolate for 10 days if they also receive a negative test on day 5 and 8.
Vaccinated people do not need to isolate. If exposed, they should self-monitor for 14 days, or for 10 days if they also receive negative tests on day 5 and 8. Vaccinated people should wear masks when indoors with others during this incubation period. If they experience any COVID like symptoms, they need to isolate and report those symptoms to their supervisor immediately.
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