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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Masking Recommendations for Businesses

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MASKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES
With the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, masking recommendations are changing rapidly. Review the recommendations and regional information below to help protect your employees and customers.
Current Recommendation for Businesses
Employers are required to comply with Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention – Emergency Temporary Standards requirements. While Cal/OSHA has not updated their Emergency Temporary Standards since June 2021, the most recent update expressly stated that “employers shall provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employees when required by orders from the CDPH (California Department of Public Health).”
California employers should consider following the recommendations of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDPH, which both recommend that all employees wear masks while indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Businesses are urged to adopt universal masking requirements for customers entering indoor areas of their businesses to provide better protection to their employees and customers.
Federal, State and Local Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
On July 27, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new masking guidance for fully vaccinated individuals in substantial or high transmission areas. According to the CDC’s COVID-19 Tracker, transmission in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties is currently high. This information can be tracked HERE.
California Department of Public Health:
On July 28, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) quickly followed suit by updating its Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings.
Information by County:
Out of an abundance of caution, people are strongly recommended (required in Los Angeles County) to wear masks indoors in settings like grocery or retail stores, theaters and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated as an added layer of protection for both themselves and unvaccinated residents.
  • Ventura County: Ventura Public Health Department strongly recommends that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Santa Barbara County: County of Santa Barbara recommends that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Los Angeles County: Masks are required in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. CLICK HERE for more information.
Resources
  • Looking for PPE Supplies? PPE Unite is a public and private partnership program creates access to PPE, promotes PPE use and provides additional resources for businesses. We encourage our local businesses to learn more about accessing PPE HERE and access their employer toolkit HERE.
  • Fisher Phillips: The EDC partners with attorneys from Fisher Phillips to produce our quarterly legal update webinars.
  • Access their COVID-19 Resource Center for free CLICK HERE
  • For individual guidance you can contact:
  • Hannah Sweiss, hsweiss@fisherphillips.com, 213.330.4497
  • Aymara Ledezma, aledezma@fisherphillips.com, 213.330.4470
  • Cal/OSHA Resources:
  • Resources Homepage CLICK HERE
  • Industry Guidance CLICK HERE
  • Consultation Services CLICK HERE
  • FREE on-site visits and telephone support from Cal/OSHA representatives for employers and employees. Get started by calling 800.963.9424 or email infocons@dir.ca.gov.
  • Safer at Work COVID-19 Employer Portal: Employers and employees can access customized guidance by industry. CLICK HERE
  • EDC COVID-19 Business Resource Page: Stay up-to-date on local, state and federal resources related to the pandemic by visiting our page regularly CLICK HERE.
Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?
The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.
Get started today with no-cost consulting by calling our
Business Assistance Line at 805.409.9159.
Resources and advising are available in English and Spanish.
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This document is intended to be used as a starting point to help business owners understand federal, state and local and Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements. It is not comprehensive. While everything this article is intended to be accurate it is not intended legal advice and should not be relied on as such. To obtain legal advice please contact a licensed California attorney. The EDC does not endorse a particular law firm or practice.