Ready to re-open? Get your COVID-19 Prevention Plan in place.
On January 25, California Governor Gavin Newsom lifted regional coronavirus stay-at-home orders across the state. This change allows certain businesses to reopen, including restaurants with outdoor dining, personal services such as barbershops and nail salons, and retailers up to 25% capacity. Lifting the stay-at-home orders also means the state returns to the county-specific coloured four-tier system and the expiration of the 10 pm - 5 am curfew.
Individual counties can impose stricter regulations if they choose. While most counties have indicated they will follow the new state guidelines, some will maintain elements of the previous regulations, including limiting who can stay in hotels, or requiring a quarantine period for people traveling to the area.
Despite the loosening of restrictions, state health officials warned that the pandemic is far from over, and individuals are advised to continue following COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding close contact with people who are outside their households.
For businesses and employers, the loosening of restrictions presents some additional challenges. Businesses in the state must have a written COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP), as defined by the Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards from November 2020. This requirement remains in place, and is more important than ever. The CPP must include information on:
Identifying and evaluating employee exposure to COVID-19 hazards
Defining effective policies and procedures to correct any unsafe or unhealthy conditions
Ensuring workers wear face coverings and follow other public health guidance while at work
How to respond to a COVID exposure
Notifying key agencies of potential exposure and outbreaks
The People415 team is closely following updated regulations in counties across the state, and supporting clients in developing COVID-19 protocols and policy, including developing a written CPP in both English and Spanish.