Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Masking Requirements for Businesses

NEW MASKING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES
Review the new requirements and regional information below to help protect your employees and customers.
Current Requirements for Businesses
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. This information can be tracked HERE.
UPDATED: California Department of Public Health:
Starting February 16, 2022, only unvaccinated persons are required to mask in all Indoor Public Settings. Universal masking shall remain required in only specified settings. Fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. CLICK HERE for more information.
Information for Mega Events: CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Indoor mega events (crowds greater than 1,000 attendees) require vaccination verification or proof of negative testing. Self-attestation may not be used to verify status as fully vaccinated or as proof of negative test result for indoor settings.
  • Outdoor mega events (crowds greater than 10,000 attendees) recommend vaccination verification or proof of negative testing. For outdoor settings, it is recommended not to use self-attestation to verify status as fully vaccinated or as proof of negative test result.
Information by County:
  • UPDATED: Ventura County: On February 16, 2022, in alignment with the State’s masking policy, the Ventura County Health Officer Order requiring masking in all indoor public places will be lifted. Local guidance will defer to State guidance for use of face coverings. Universal masking will remain required in specified settings including, but not limited to, public transit, indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, shelters, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, and other care facilities. Only unvaccinated persons will be required to mask in all indoor public settings. Fully vaccinated individuals will be recommended to continue masking in public indoor settings. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • UPDATED: Santa Barbara County: On February 16, 2022, in alignment with the State’s masking policy, the Santa Barbara County Local Health Order requiring masking in all indoor public places will be lifted. Local guidance will defer to State guidance for use of face coverings. Universal masking will remain required in specified settings including, but not limited to, public transit, indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, shelters, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, and other care facilities. Only unvaccinated persons will be required to mask in all indoor public settings. Fully vaccinated individuals will be recommended to continue masking in public indoor settings. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Los Angeles County: On January 6, 2022 the County of Los Angeles Health Officer issued a Health Officer Order continuing to require indoor masking by all, regardless of vaccination status, to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. This order will remain in effect until it is revised, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. CLICK HERE for more information.
Employers are still required to comply with Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention – Emergency Temporary Standards requirements.
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.
  • 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.
Access our Loan Program by calling 805.409.9497.
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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.