Washington State Lifts COVID-19 Emergency Orders

Washington State Lifts COVID-19 Emergency Orders

Even though the emergency orders ended last week, employers should not stop protecting their workers from COVID-19.

Last week on November 1, 2022, Washington state’s COVID-19 emergency orders were lifted. But that doesn’t mean precautions should end.

A news release published a few days before the lift from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries tells employers to continue taking precautions to protect their workers from this virus.

There are still general safety requirements employers in Washington state must abide by. According to the news release,

  • Places of work should still be assessed, and employers should take action to keep workers safe from COVID-19 based on the findings.
  • If a worker tests positive, under Washington State Department of Health guidance, they should not return to work for a minimum of five days.
  • If an employee works with or cares for others who may have COVID-19, respirators should be used.

Workers in healthcare, long-term care and some correctional facilities must continue to follow the state’s masking order, according to a news release from Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to the health care workers, public health teams and other frontline workers who helped save so many lives and will continue keeping our communities safe and healthy,” Inslee said in the news release.

“Ending this order does not mean we take the pandemic less seriously or will lose focus on how this virus has changed the way we live. We will continue our commitments to the public’s well-being, but simply through different tools that are now more appropriate for the era we’ve entered,” he continued.

About the Author

Alex Saurman is the Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.


Product Showcase

  • AA

    AA

    A+A—The World’s No 1. Trade Fair with Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work—is renowned for its wide range of products and international reach, reflecting the status of the industry with the latest technologies and trends. From October 24-27, 2023, A+A will showcase the entire range of products and services for personal and occupational safety at the fairground in Düsseldorf, Germany - from protective items for individual body parts to complex security systems, from occupational medical care to ergonomic workplace design. An international congress will complement the exhibits. 3

  • Safety Knives

    Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company LLC has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal-detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. machines and is X-ray visible. 3

  • InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test

    InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test

    The InteliSwab® COVID-19 Rapid Test from OraSure is a remarkably simple, and easy to use, at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test. InteliSwab puts the power of rapid results right in your hands. Anytime, anywhere, just swab, swirl and see results in minutes. InteliSwab has been tested against variants of concern and successfully detects Omicron subvariants. By testing frequently in the workplace, you can help prevent disruption and strengthen occupational health. Try InteliSwab today and get your free sample kit here: info.inteliswab.com/2023-paidmedia-ohs-productshowcase-inteliswab-june 3

Featured