On July 26, 2021, in light of an uptick in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced new measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable. Said to be “a first-in-the-nation standard,” the new measures require all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings (such as adult and senior care facilities) to either show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or be tested at least once weekly. Unvaccinated workers must also don the appropriate personal protective equipment (such as masks). The new policy takes effect on August 9, 2021, and gives health care facilities until August 23, 2021, to fully comply. The state is encouraging all other employers to follow suit by implementing similar policies.
Tips: If you have employees in California working in health care or congregate settings, you should begin collecting proof of vaccination from your employees and implementing weekly testing for those who are unvaccinated in order to meet the above deadlines. Contact your Vigilant Law Group employment attorney with questions or for help meeting these obligations.
