On April 17, 2020, Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2020 39. Effective for 30 days “unless extended further,” this newest coronavirus emergency order delineates requirements for the wearing of face coverings and gloves by those employees who are deemed “critical” because they are working in an essential business or working to maintain critical government functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, this recent Order directs workers who “interact in close proximity with other employees or with the public” to take the following precautions:
- Wear medical or non-medical cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while working, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health; and
- To the extent possible, wear gloves when in contact with customers or goods if gloves are provided to workers by their employer.
You can read the full text of Colorado’s Executive Order D 2020 39.
Additionally, although Governor Polis’ directive requires all critical private and government employees to wear non-medical masks, the Order adds, “Nothing in this Executive Order should be construed to prevent workers in Critical Businesses and Critical Government Functions from wearing a surgical-grade mask or other, more protective face covering to cover the nose and mouth if that type of mask or more protective face covering is required because of the nature of the work performed.”
No one knows the full scope of what will occur in the coming days, weeks, and months, nor knows how the law will change to meet the rising workplace challenges presented by this novel coronavirus. As a result, the attorneys at Sears & Associates, P.C. encourage all business owners to stay informed, daily, about changes in Colorado and Federal laws that interpret workplace matters in the light of COVID-19.
Sears & Associates attorneys are working through this time and available to consult with you regarding legal requirements—as well as recommended “best” practices—for employers to follow during the course of this pandemic.
