6.18.21
By Jennifer Jacobus, PHRca, SDEA Director of HR Services.
On Thursday June 17, Cal-OSHA voted to allow fully vaccinated employees to remove their masks in the workplace. This update aligns with California’s general state guidelines that took effect on June 15 as well as with the California Department of Public Health, which ended most mask rules for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
With Gov. Newsom signing an Executive Order on June 17, these regulations will go into effect immediately. Here are the new “masking guidelines” for workplaces:
- Vaccinated employees will not be required to wear masks while indoors. Exceptions may apply to places in California where masking is to be worn by all people;
- Unvaccinated employees will be required to wear face masks while in an indoor settings;
- Face masks will not be required for outdoor workers, whether vaccinated, or not;
- Employers will now need to document their vaccinated workers, but they are not required to retain copies of vaccination cards. Instead, employers may ask employees to self-attest to vaccination in writing.
Cal-OSHA’s guidelines require approved face coverings, such as N95 masks, to be given to unvaccinated workers who request them rather than have them physically distanced.
Employers who have additional questions or are still unsure what this new information means for them, are encouraged to call SDEA at 858-505-0024.
Members of SDEA enjoy unlimited consultation with our HR Team.