Wi-Fi, masks make work-from-home checklist for state workers

It may not seem natural to wear a face mask to protect others from the spread of COVID-19 while on a teleconference from the comfort of one’s home office, but Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources is requiring it, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In an email to its employees sent out July 31, the head of Wisconsin’s DNR not only reminded employees of Gov. Tony Evers’ mask order going into effect on Aug. 1, he said every DNR employee must wear a mask even while working from home.

“Also, wear your mask, even if you are home, to participate in a virtual meeting that involves being seen — such as on Zoom or another videoconferencing platform — by non-DNR staff,” Preston Cole told employees in the email, accessed by the newspaper. “Set the safety example which shows you as a DNR public service employee care about the safety and health of others.”

A department spokeswoman confirmed the requirement with reporters, stating that “by wearing a mask while videoconferencing with the general public, we visually remind folks that masking is an important part of navigating the business of natural resources during this tumultuous time.”

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.