States shift mask enforcement to employers.

Encouraged by falling coronavirus case counts and deaths, several states have begun lifting mask mandates even as health officials warn it may be too soon. Employers in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Texas can no longer rely on state law to enforce mask mandates among employees and customers. More states are likely to join in.

Employers are free to enforce their own mask rules. However, without government backing, conflicts are sure to emerge. Public-facing employees have expressed fears they must now enforce masking rules alone. A just-announced OSHA national emphasis program highlights masks as a key coronavirus and COVID safety measure. OSHA has put on hold plans to issue emergency temporary...