**UPDATE – 1/6/2022, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Extends Mask Mandate**
The CDPH announced yesterday that it is extending its statewide indoor mask mandate through February 15 – a one month extension of the mandate that that went into effect in December.
The CDPH stated that the extension is in response to the spike in cases and hospitalizations related to the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
This content was provided by SCGMA’s professional counsel and is for general informational purposes only. Readers should contact their own professional counsel for company specific matters in the relevant jurisdiction.
**PREVIOUS UPDATE – 12/27/2021, California Issues New Statewide Mask Mandate**
California’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a new mask mandate. Under the order, masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
CDPH has updated its guidance to clarify the application of the indoor mask mandate. Previously, the mandate by the CDPH referenced “indoor public settings” without further definition. In the updated guidance, the CDPH clarifies that “the guidance applies to all workplaces, regardless of whether they serve the public, or are open to the public. Masks may be removed, “if the workplace consists of a single employee, or may be removed while an employee is alone in a closed office or room.”
Cal/OSHA has also updated its FAQ for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to state that the ETS requires that employers “provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employees when required by orders of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). (8 CCR § 3205(c)(6)(B).) The December 13, 2021 CDPH guidance is such an order.”
This content was provided by SCGMA’s professional counsel and is for general informational purposes only. Readers should contact their own professional counsel for company specific matters in the relevant jurisdiction.