OEC Message Concerning Masks in Child Care Settings

Governor Lamont held a press conference yesterday to announce his plan to ask the legislature to extend the school and child care mask mandate through February 28, 2022. You may read the governor’s press release and watch the press conference here.  

The governor’s recommended policy will be considered by the legislature over the next several days. The legislature held a public hearing today from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the governor’s 11 Executive Orders. The House is then scheduled to take up the issue on Thursday and the Senate is scheduled to convene next Monday February 14, 2022 for the same purpose. 

Until this legislative process is complete, providers must continue to follow mask requirements as stated in OEC Memos 29 and 41, which provide details. 

When the statewide mask requirement is no longer in effect, the OEC will continue to strongly recommend that providers implement public health policies and procedures consistent with CDC recommendations. This includes mask wearing, quarantine and isolation, social distancing, and ventilation.   

As a reminder, providers continue to be required to report COVID-19 to DPH via the reporting form.  

As always, we will continue to provide timely updates and clarification to support your important work. Please continue to check our FAQs on our website for the most up to date guidance.