Detroit Three automakers reinstate mask mandate at some Michigan facilities

An meeting employee of Ford Motor works on an F-series pickup truck on the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S., January 26, 2022. REUTERS/Rebecca Prepare dinner/File Picture

Might 15 (Reuters) – Basic Motors Co (GM.N), Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Chrysler mother or father Stellantis NV (STLA.MI) stated on Sunday they’re reinstating a requirement that workers put on masks in southeastern Michigan the place there are excessive ranges of COVID-19.

The Detroit Three automakers stated in early March they might permit auto employees to cease carrying masks at workplaces the place U.S. well being officers stated it was secure to take action.

That month, the automakers stated they might undertake revised steering by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) permitting employees at U.S. amenities to not put on masks no matter COVID-19 vaccination standing, if these amenities weren’t in high-risk counties.

The masking tips issued in February shifted from a give attention to the speed of COVID-19 transmission to monitoring native hospitalizations, hospital capability and an infection charges.

Six counties in southeastern Michigan – together with Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw – are once more listed by the CDC as having excessive COVID-19 ranges. The CDC recommends carrying masks indoors in public settings in these counties.

Ford stated it was quickly reinstating a face masks requirement in any respect of its vegetation situated in areas deemed high-risk by the CDC.

Stellantis stated that beginning on Monday, “company-issued face masks will once more be required for workers, contractors and guests in any respect Stellantis amenities” in these Michigan counties. The corporate added, “it’s anticipated that the requirement might be in place for the following two weeks.”

GM stated it “might be implementing COVID safety measures at our amenities in Oakland, Wayne, Livingston and Macomb counties given the CDC has now listed them as excessive danger.”

The United Auto Staff union stated Sunday if “a facility is situated in high-risk counties as recognized by the CDC, they’ll require masking and bodily distancing.”

GM and Ford each have their headquarters in Wayne County, whereas Stellantis’ North American headquarters is in Oakland County, whereas all three have quite a few factories in southeastern Michigan.

The CDC says 4.25% of U.S. counties are presently listed as having excessive ranges of COVID-19.

Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington
Enhancing by Matthew Lewis

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