Michigan Loosens Workplace Rules As Other COVID Guidelines End

LANSING, MI — Michigan has filed COVID-19 emergency rules, dialing back workplace guidelines and aligning them with federal standards as the state ends its face covering and indoor capacity limit rules on Tuesday.

The updated rules adopt the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards and focus on health care settings where known or suspected COVID-19 patients may be present, according to a news release. These workplaces may have a higher exposure risk for employees and need continued protections to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the state said.

“As we continue to get Michigan back to work, our priority remains keeping workplaces safe for employees and protecting customers as they support these businesses,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday in a statement. “With our state at full capacity, we can boost our economic Jumpstart and ensure businesses can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever while keeping their workers safe.”

The updated rules take effect Tuesday and are set to expire in December.

Related: MI Is About To End COVID Restrictions: Here Are 3 Things To Know

Dialing back workplace rules for non-healthcare settings allows employers to use their best judgment in determining whether to continue daily health screenings, face mask requirements and social distancing requirements, the state said.

Michigan's updated workplace rules are not the only changes for Michiganders. The state's restrictions requiring face masks and limiting indoor capacities also end on Tuesday.

With the new rules, non-healthcare settings should align policies with CDC guidelines to make sure they help contain the spread of COVID-19, the state said.

“These updates recognize the great progress we have made in Michigan to contain COVID-19 and the power of vaccinations," Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan said. "We will continue to provide critical workplace protections more focused on areas of increased COVID-19 risk. In non-health care settings, it’s important that all employers recognize that they have a general duty to provide a safe workplace.”