California’s stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 19, 2020, causing millions of Californians to stay at home to preserve public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Department of Public Health created a Pandemic Roadmap identifying four stages of the pandemic, ultimately leading to the end of the stay-at-home order.
California entered Stage Two of the Pandemic Roadmap on May 8, 2020, meaning lower risk workplaces, such as certain retailers, manufacturers, and supply chains, are permitted to reopen. Tressler’s attorneys are dedicated to helping California businesses navigate through Stage Two as businesses reopen.
California requires all employers to complete the following before reopening their facilities: (1) perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan; (2) train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19; (3) implement individual control measures and screenings; (4) implement disinfecting protocols; and (5) implement physical distancing guidelines.
Certain counties and cities may have their own rules and guidelines in addition to the State of California’s requirements. As an example, we will discuss some distinct requirements for the County of Los Angeles, whose jurisdiction consists of 88 incorporated cities and 120-125 unincorporated areas. The City of Los Angeles is within the jurisdiction of the County of Los Angeles and has stricter requirements regarding COVID-19 than the County of Los Angeles.
Tressler's labor and employment attorneys have compiled a detailed article discussing some of the best practices California businesses can implement as the state enters the latest stage of the Pandemic Roadmap. The article also outlines legal issues to consider.