A new Executive Order came out Friday, August 14, regarding the wearing of masks; this order updated the Executive Order of April 17, 2020.
The change now makes it mandatory for an employee who claims a medical exemption from the mandatory mask rule to provide medical certification supporting the requested exemption.

This is different in that the April order did not require medical certification for an employee claiming an exemption from the mask rule – only that the employee communicates the exemption to their employer. This change now better aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding requesting accommodation due to a disability or medical condition, and that employers can request documentation.

All employers should educate their workforce for this change and ensure that policies have been updated to reflect this Executive Order.