Published Date: 2021-07-28
State to require COVID testing for unvaccinated employees
The ‘honor system’ is not sufficient
The State of California will soon require its unvaccinated workforce to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19. In addition, unvaccinated state employees will be required to wear a face-covering while at work. The shift in policy is directly related to the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, which is currently averaging at 7,500 new cases per day, with the more contagious delta variant accounting for 83 percent of new infections nationwide. The new testing protocols are being added to the existing health and safety standards to further protect the state workforce, the public it serves and to ensure the continuity of essential state operations.
The California Department of Human Resources has directed state departments to implement procedures for collecting and maintaining employee vaccination status records by Monday, August 2, 2021. The COVID-19 testing procedures for the unvaccinated will be phased in over a period of weeks. More rigorous testing procedures are expected for employees working in state healthcare settings.
State employees must show evidence of vaccination to be considered exempt from testing or wearing a face covering. Vaccine status under the ‘honor system’ will no longer be sufficient. Evidence of immunization may be obtained digitally with a link to a QR code. To set up your digital COVID vaccination record, visit https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/. Staff may also present their hard copy vaccination card or other medical record to establish vaccination status with their employer. Vaccinated individuals who refuse or fail to disclose their vaccination records will be expected, as if unvaccinated, to undergo no less than mandatory weekly COVID testing.
If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local chapter.
July 27, 2021 | Download Flier
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