City of Houston suspends mandatory masking and temperature checks for employees

Sources say the CDC will relax its recommendation to wear masks indoors in most areas.

This will be the agency’s first change to its mask policy since last July.

The number of COVID-19 cases is decreasing nationwide. Yesterday in Harris County, the COVID alert level was lowered from red to orange.

The new guidance comes as most states have either lifted or announced plans to lift their indoor mask regulations.

RELATED: CDC to ease COVID mask guidelines for 70% of US, including inside schools

“With the benefits of widely available vaccines and booster shots and robust COVID-19 testing, our country is entering a new phase of the pandemic. Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a press release.

The policy suspension no longer requires temperature checks of City of Houston employees, but does not apply to all healthcare workers (e.g., EMTs, nurses, paramedics, and physicians).

RELATED: Harris Hidalgo County Judge Reduces COVID-19 Threat Level to Orange

All employees are still required to report to work unless they are sick, ill, or test positive for COVID-19.

“I encourage all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots when eligible,” says Turner.

Staff can self-report your COVID-19 vaccinations within The City’s Talent Management System’s Healthy Reward Initiative Portal to receive the $25 Health Bonus and meet one of the health care participation options for a premium discount as part of the City’s annual health plan goals.