Governor Abbott recently lifted the mask mandate in Texas, which went into effect on Wednesday, March 10. Many employers have questions about how this affects their businesses and organizations.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the cancelled mask mandate, with answers that should provide some insight to employers.
Is the Texas mask mandate still in place?
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-34) on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent, effective March 10, 2021.
Can my business still require mask wearing?
Businesses may continue to limit capacity and implement additional safety protocols, including mask-wearing at their place of business.
Should my business continue to enforce masks in the workplace?
This is a decision that you, as a leader within your business, should make. Consider your current work environment and risk mitigation measures that have been put in place. While it is each business’ decision in Texas on March 10, Achilles Group recommends continuing with your business’ current protocols with regards to mask wearing, social distancing and other risk mitigation measures previously put into place, unless there is a compelling business reason to do otherwise. An employer has a responsibility to continue to provide a safe workplace, and failure to take reasonable actions to mitigate risk or removing existing mitigation measures leaves your business exposed to greater liability.
In addition, we are awaiting further guidance from federal agencies, including OSHA on masks, social distancing, and other possible requirements in the workplace. Maintaining existing mask wearing policies will help to avoid confusion and frustration among employees as guidelines and requirements from all levels of government change.
How often should my COVID-19 risk mitigation measures be reviewed?
As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving and changing. Achilles Group recommends reviewing your current COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines on a monthly basis to ensure they make sense for your business.
Achilles Group is here to help you navigate through this time. For additional information about COVID-19-related issues at your place of work, please reach out to your designated Achilles Group contact, or email Jennifer Heylmun at jennifer.heylmun@
