SACRAMENTO, CA - Just yesterday, California regulators updated workplace pandemic rules for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19. California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) ruled in a 5—1 vote that ended most mask rules for vaccinated people in the state. Governor Newsom issued an executive order waiving the ruling's usual 10-day legal review. The new rules will take effect as soon as they are filed with the Secretary of State.

The new ruling states that fully vaccinated people will not need to wear masks, except in locations where they are required for everyone—such as mass transit or classrooms. These new rules apply in nearly every workforce across the Golden State, such as offices, factories, and retailers. Farmworkers were not noted in the news source.

The adoption of these rules is intended to help protect workers while businesses resume near-normal activity.

Physical distancing will also no longer be in effect except during potential future outbreaks. According to a report from KCRA, vaccinated workers will not need to be tested or quarantine unless they show symptoms.

For employers, they need to document that the workers no longer wearing masks are vaccinated. However, it is up to the employer on how they wish to make that information known. Either an employee can self-report that status or be made to show proof of their vaccination. Employers can also decide on whether or not they wish to keep mask-wearing in effect.

A recent joint statement from the California Labor Secretary, Julie Su, and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Dee Dee Myers, noted May's employment data for the state. 

“California has reopened, and we're ready to roar back. Nine out of 11 sectors added jobs in May, including Leisure and Hospitality, which created more than 50,000 new jobs for the fourth consecutive month,” said Myers.

While the state's officials are seeing the numbers rise, we wonder how quickly that will impact the shortages we have heard of for our industry throughout the state.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye out for the latest in California policy that affects the workforce.