Fully vaccinated employees in California do not have to wear a face covering (mask) indoors, thanks to revised emergency temporary standards (ETS) issued by Cal/OSHA on June 17, 2021. The ETS took effect immediately when Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order waiving the normal ten-day review process. For those employers covered by the ETS* who have been waiting for guidance from Cal/OSHA, here are some answers to your questions:
- Question: Do “fully vaccinated” employees have to wear masks while working indoors?
- Answer: No. Fully vaccinated employees can work indoors without masks with few exceptions. Vaccinated employees must still wear masks in those indoor settings where the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires masks, including public transit, K-12 educational facilities, health care and long-term care settings, correctional and detention facilities, and shelters.
- Question: What does “fully vaccinated” mean?
- Answer: “Fully vaccinated” means the employer has documented that the person received, at least 14 days prior, either the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine that are FDA or WHO approved.
- Question: What vaccine documentation is an employer required to maintain?
- Answer: An employer can elect one of the following documentation options: (1) Maintain a copy of the employee’s proof of vaccination (vaccine card, image of vaccine card or health care document showing vaccination status). (2) • Inspect the employee’s proof of vaccination and maintain a record of the employees who presented proof, but not a copy of the vaccine record itself. (3) Maintain a record of employees who self-attest to vaccination status.
