Given the recent news coverage concerning COVID-19 vaccines and the government’s distribution plan for such vaccines, many of our public agency clients have inquired whether it will be permissible to require that agency employees be vaccinated for COVID-19. This question is important from a public health perspective, complicated from a legal one, and almost certain
Governor Newsom Announces New Regional Stay At Home Order
On December 3, in order to slow the unprecedented rise in the rate of increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new Regional Stay At Home Order (the “Order”).
The Order will take effect on December 5, 2020 in any region of the state, as designated by the
CDC Reduces Recommended Quarantine Period Following “Close Contact” Exposures to Individuals with COVID-19
On December 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) issued updated guidance concerning the recommended quarantine period for individuals following a “close contact” exposure to someone with COVID-19. The guidance reduces the recommended quarantine period from 14 days to either 10 days or seven days, depending on whether the individual tested negative for
Cal/OSHA Board Adopts Emergency Regulations Regarding COVID-19
On November 19, 2020, pursuant to emergency rulemaking authority, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (“OSHSB”) adopted temporary regulations regarding measures that all employers must undertake in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (“emergency regulations”).
The emergency regulations take effect today, November 30, 2020, and apply to all employers
Cal/OSHA-Compliant Template COVID-19 Prevention Program (“CPP”) Available
On November 25, 2020, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore issued a special bulletin concerning an emergency regulation (8 C.C.R. 3205) that the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (“OSHSB”) adopted concerning the adoption and implementation of a COVID-19 Prevention Program (“CPP”). The emergency regulation requires that, effective November 30, 2020, all public agencies adopt and implement
Cal/OSHA Board Adopts Emergency Regulations Regarding COVID-19
On November 19, 2020, pursuant to emergency rulemaking authority, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (“OSHSB”) adopted temporary regulations regarding measures that employers must undertake in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (“emergency regulations”).
The emergency regulations, which will likely take effect on November 30, 2020, apply to public
California Department of Public Health Issues Updated Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings
On November 16, 2020, in response to significant increases in the incidence rates of COVID-19 in the state, the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) issued updated guidance concerning the use of face coverings. The updated guidance requires that individuals wear a face covering at all times when outside of the home unless one
California Department of Public Health Issues COVID-19 Travel Advisory Recommending 14 Days Self Quarantine for Any Non-Essential Travel Out of State
On November 13, 2020, in response to alarming increases in the incidence rates of COVID-19 in other countries and states, the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) issued a travel advisory to California residents.
The travel advisory expressly recommends that California residents not engage in non-essential travel out of the state at this time. CDPH
Department of Labor Issues Revised Regulations Concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On September 11, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) promulgated three revised regulations concerning the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) (29 C.F.R. 826.) The revised regulations will take effect on September 16, 2020, upon publication of the revised rule in the Federal Register.
The DOL revised these regulations in response to a challenge by
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Issues New Guidance Authorizing Employers to Test Employees for COVID-19
On April 23, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued updated guidance concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Rehabilitation Act and how employers may respond to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The EEOC makes clear that while the laws will continue to apply during the present public health emergency,