Current Michigan and Federal strategies are to provide information on the infection and virus and permit local areas to make their own determinations based on the available facts and science and CDC recommendations. The absence of mandates
or regulations does not necessarily mean that a library should have no policies in place.
As libraries consider how to handle mitigation policies for COVID-19 (and the COVID Delta Variant), it may be helpful to consider that although MDHHS, MiOSHA and OSHA (MiOSHA works with OSHA) may not have specific mandates currently in
place, the “General Duty Clause,” which requires employers (including public libraries) to keep employees safe from “recognized hazards,” is still law. Covid-19 (and its variants) is still a recognized hazard
The most recent CDC guidance recommends masking for vaccinated and unvaccinated in indoor areas – especially when around people whom they do not know vaccination status, and in locations experiencing high community transmission of infection.
It is recommended that public libraries review local community transmission data, local vaccination rates, and current infection data to determine the best policies for their library.
It is also useful to contact your local health department and/or MiOSHA to obtain additional information on what may be recommended by experts for your community.
https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework
CDC Updated Guidance
“When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated”
Guidance now recommends masks for indoor activities even for vaccinated persons if located in an area of “substantial or high transmission,” and if vulnerable (*such as immunocompromised people - even if vaccinated) or unvaccinated people in household.Several
counties in Michigan are at these levels. See CDC map (updated Jul 27, 2021)
“Families
with Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Family Members” Guidance on keeping kids (and other non vaccinated) and immunocompromised family members safe.(Updated July 16, 2021)
“Protect Yourself and Others”
Guidance on protections for the unvaccinated and immunocompromised(Updated Jul 26, 2021).
CDC Internal Report
including information on transmission of Delta Variant by vaccinated persons (see slide 15 and on). This is data that prompted CDC revised recommendations on masking. Report
is via Washington Post.
CDC Case Tracker & Transmission Map
- Used to determine high,moderate, and low areas of transmissions for masking recommendations.
CNN Article
on CDC updated masking recommendations
MiOSHAcontact : 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219)
County Health Departments -
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5461_74040---,00.html
Take Care!
Clare
From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of
Cory Grimminck via Michlib-l
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2021 10:32 AM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Unvaccinated Staff
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to
abuse@michigan.gov
Hello!
Now that all the COVID restrictions have been lifted and we only have to follow the (very vague and non-committal) OSHA rules, I was wondering what everyone is doing about unvaccinated staff. Do you make them wear a mask? Do you try
to separate them from the rest of your staff? Or do you let them roam free?
Thanks for any feedback you can give me,
Cory Grimminck
Director, Portland District Library