In late March DOH determined COVID should be treated similarly to other respiratory illnesses such as flu and RSV. This prompted a response from DOSH to update their guidance, found here: L&I Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 (wa.gov). For all healthcare settings, DOSH is deferring to CDC guidance found here: Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC. The CDC provides more detailed guidance for skilled nursing but, for assisted living, recommends following community prevention strategies based on hospital admission rates.
The language in the updated DOSH guidance offers recommendations. This puts infection control squarely back in the employer’s hands. Keep in mind that employers can still be cited if a compliance officer determines that infection control measures are inadequate.
Because the CDC still recommends wearing respirators during certain interactions with COVID-positive residents, employers should maintain their respiratory protection program for the time being.