HOPEFULLY THE LAST COVID-19 CDPH SUBSTANTIVE UPDATE
HOPEFULLY THE LAST COVID-19 CDPH SUBSTANTIVE UPDATE
On September 13th, the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) issued another COVID-19 order for health care and school workplaces[1] that, while it does not rescind other areas, does rescind weekly testing requirements for health care workers (“HCW”) who had not vaccinated (but still requires such HCWs to wear respirators or a surgical mask (N95) at all times in the workplace). The result is that masks must still be worn by everyone in healthcare sites. Skilled Nursing facilities (“SNFs”) still must continue to comply with current federal requirements and possibly more stringent testing of staff.
The September 13th order also rescinds the requirement for public and private school (K-12) employers to verify the COVID vaccination status of employees and unpaid volunteers or for the school to test those un- or under- vaccinated workers weekly[2].
Local laws may require more restrictive COVID-19 requirements. And OSHA still has Emergency Temporary Standards (“ETS”) that expire December 31, 2022, but will likely be extended in some form.
Epps & Coulson, LLP is still here for your questions on COVID-19 requirements. Please feel free to contact us if you have legal questions: Dawn dcoulson@eppscoulson.com.
Information contained in this Memo is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney. While intended as information and educational, it is considered advertising under applicable various laws of some states.
Epps & Coulson, LLP
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[1] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR22-142.aspx
[2] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/covid-19/order-of-the-state-public-health-officer-health-care-worker-vaccine-requirement.aspx