COVID-19 Health Order Expiration

1 year ago

Given the expiration of the Covid-19 Health Order in New Mexico, Southwestern HR Consulting (SWHRC) recently posted an article regarding COVID-19 and the workplace. Subsequent to this, the federal administration has also announced that it is ending the national public health emergency. In addition, it will also no longer require vaccination for federal employees or contractors, and international air travelers. The Department of Homeland Security also signified they will be ending vaccination requirements for other individuals, including “healthcare facilities certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).” In its decision, the federal administration cited that COVID-19 deaths have declined by 95%, with hospitalizations falling by 91%.

While deaths and hospitalizations have fallen, employers still have to contend with employees in the workplace who may call-in signifying they have COVID-19. In reviewing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, the COVID calculator was just updated on March 21, 2023, providing guidance on “Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.” In speaking with the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) after the New Mexico order expired, one of their attorneys signified that employers could still follow the CDC guidelines as long as the employer has a consistently applied policy for employees who have contracted COVID-19.

SWHRC has experience reviewing, updating, and writing employee handbooks to ensure compliant policies that provide for consistent application. Having an employee handbook is one of the first steps that an employer will want to take when establishing a business. In addition, as laws are constantly changing both on the federal and local level, if you have an existing employee handbook, we can review it and provide you with an updated handbook to keep you compliant. If you are a new business or are an older business that hasn’t updated their handbooks for a while, contact us at SWHRC today!