What do updates to mask guidelines mean for your business?  

What’s changed?

On May 13th, the CDC made a change to its mask guidance. According to them, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or physically distance. This goes for all outdoor settings and most indoor settings, and for both large and small group gatherings. Anyone who is not vaccinated should continue to wear masks.

There are still exceptions: vaccinated people are still advised to wear masks while traveling on airplanes, busses and trains, and masks are still recommended for some indoor settings, like hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters. There are also various states that are enforcing their own mask rules, so it’s important to check your local government website for the most up-to-date information.

What does this mean for my business?

The CDC relaxing its mask guidance is a mixed bag for small business owners. Some are tired of lost business from the lockdown and are embracing the ability to welcome back customers without restrictions. Others are concerned about the loopholes in the guidance—that there is no easy way to prove whether a customer has been vaccinated. With that missing piece, many businesses are continuing to require masks to ensure a safe environment for patrons and employees.

For your business, it’s important to show your customers that you have their safety in mind. After over a year of pandemic fears, some customers will be wary about rushing back to business as usual. Making a clear decision on masks and communicating that to your customers is a crucial step in gaining their trust. Providing a respectful environment that supports individuals choosing to wear masks even if they are not required to do so, also goes a long way. 

What does this mean for my workers?

The CDC did not specify whether the relaxed guidance also applies to workers in public areas. That means the decision on whether workers continue to wear masks is largely in the hands of the business owner. If customers can walk through the doors of your business mask-free, can the same be said for employees?

While it may seem appealing to ditch masks all around, it’s important to check in with your workers first. In a recent Snagajob survey, 80% of job seekers surveyed said they plan to wear a mask on the job regardless of protocol. Therefore, changing your protocols could make some of your team members uncomfortable.  

Whatever you decide, make sure you proactively communicate any changes to your mask policy and the “why” behind them. Also make sure you listen to and address any employee questions or lingering safety concerns. Again, if you do remove the requirement, it’s important to foster an environment of respect for anyone choosing to wear them anyway.  

The Bottom Line

The mask guidance update is a big moment for businesses, but it’s not without its challenges. It’s important to make this decision carefully, with the help of your team, and communicate it effectively to your customers.