Ford, GM and Stellantis are ordering the use of masks at their facilities due to the delta variant of COVID.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and the Delta variant continues to pose a hidden threat to the world's population. Automotive brands such as Ford, GM and Stellantis have made it mandatory for their employees to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.

Unionized workers Ford, General Motors y stellantis they will need to wear masks again, the Amalgamated Auto Workers Union said in a statement. After a working group meeting consisting of UAW, Ford, GM and Stellantis representatives, the four agreed to return to worker safety.

The measure is mandatory even in the presence of a vaccine

The decision will require all workers in production facilities, offices and warehouses wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

The union said the decision follows recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding standards COVID-19. in the workplace, as the delta version of the virus contributes to an increase in the incidence in the country.

“While we know masks can be uncomfortable, delta propagation and recent data describing alarmingly high transmission rates among the unvaccinated, it is a serious health threat,” the UAW said in a statement.

“The Task Force strongly encourages all members, colleagues and their families to roll up their sleeves so we can move forward faster with soothing mask protocols. The more our members, colleagues and their families get vaccinated, the faster we can beat this deadly pandemic.”

Starting August 4, all employees will be required to wear masks at all times.

The CDC remains concerned that fully vaccinated people who report a significant case and test positive for COVID-19 may also be shedding the virus, hence the recent change in guidance. Studies show that the delta variant is 60% more contagious than previous strains of COVID-19. Those who are fully vaccinated must wear masks indoors, according to the CDC, though it's not clear if vaccinated people will need a booster at some point in the future.

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