The following is a special issue of the COVID-19 update, given changing conditions.
Mask and testing requirements ending
Given updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and changes in communities throughout the region, Met Council employees will no longer be required to wear a mask while working onsite, effective immediately. The COVID-19 Face Coverings Procedure is no longer in effect.
Masks will still be required on transit vehicles at least through March 18. Operators will continue to wear masks related to that mandate from the Transportation Security Administration.
You can still wear a mask and continue to distance at your discretion.
In addition, employees are no longer required to test prior to reporting onsite. The COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Requirement Procedure is no longer in effect. Managers will no longer receive the go/no-go list on Fridays, as well.
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Continue safe practices onsite
The Met Council no longer requires employees and visitors to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, or follow the testing and vaccination requirement to be onsite. It’s important to recognize, though, that these requirements being lifted does not mean the pandemic is over. Not only is the virus still active in our region but some age groups are not yet able to get vaccinated.
Please continue to follow the standard safety and health precautions to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus in the workplace:
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Stay home if you tested positive for COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often.
- Clean your workspace frequently.
You may continue to wear a mask if you choose to.
We are no longer requiring you to distance in the workplace, but we still recommend that you exercise caution when gathering in groups while onsite.
Other guidance forthcoming
The Incident Command teams are reviewing state guidance about timelines for reopening public buildings and returning teleworkers to onsite work. We will have additional information in the next week or so regarding that timeline and will make sure staff have at least 30 days' notice prior to that transition.
Other policies and practices related to the pandemic remain in place, and we will notify staff as soon as possible if there are changes. We will continue to be guided by public health recommendations and adjust our requirements and policies as needed.
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