On February 15, 2022, Governor Newsom announced the end of California’s indoor mask mandate for fully-vaccinated individuals. Effective today, March 1, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has also removed the requirement for unvaccinated individuals to wear face coverings indoors. The mandate is being replaced by a “strong recommendation” that all people, regardless of vaccination status, continue to mask when in indoor public settings.
Employers are still bound by the CDPH requirements to exclude employees from work and/or require face coverings if the individual has reported a positive COVID test or has been in close contact with a COVID-19 case. Please refer to our HR Headliner published January 7, 2022 for additional details.
CDPH guidance allows businesses to maintain mask requirements, if they prefer to do so. And, no person may be prevented from voluntarily wearing a mask.
Masks will still be required in specified work environments including healthcare settings and public transit, but will no longer be required in public schools effective March 12, 2022.
As always, Sierra HR Partners is here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 precautions and paid leave benefits. Please contact one of our Consultants with any questions you have.
