AVMA has announced that the CDC is in the process of updating its guidelines for veterinary facilities and has issued the following interim direction regarding wearing masks:
Veterinary clinics should follow the masking guidance for the general public. While veterinarians are considered clinicians, the settings in which they work are not used to treat humans with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and instances of animal-to-human transmission appear to be very rare. Veterinary clinics should consider local transmission and vaccination rates when creating clinic policies for PPE use and interactions with clients.
The Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries has also issued new mask and distancing requirements to help employers adopt workplace policies to the new CDC guidelines.
- Employers have the right to require masks and to allow their employees to wear masks if they choose. Unvaccinated employees or those who have no proof of masks must wear masks and social distance.
- Before ending mask and social distance requirements, employers must verify that employees have been fully vaccinated, either by having the worker show proof of vaccination or attesting to their vaccine status.
- Employers must be able to demonstrate they have verified workers’ vaccination status through various acceptable methods.
For more information, download WA Dept. of L&I’s Key COVID-19 Updates for Fully Vaccinated Workers.
The following guidance is among that available from the CDC:
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Guidance for Unvaccinated People: How to Protect Yourself and Others
Guidance for Unvaccinated People: Wearing Masks
Science Brief: COVID-19 and Vaccinations (Background Rationale)
Posted June 1, 2021