What does the end of the PHE mean for California employers?

It has been three years since we entered the COVID-19 global pandemic. With the ending of the state Public Health Emergency (PHE) in February and the upcoming federal PHE coming to an end in May, what do employers need to know? 

In California, employers are still required to follow the guidance from Cal/OSHA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This means that the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Non-Emergency Regulations must still be followed. The Non-Emergency Regulations replaced the previous Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) early last month. Read our blog post here for more information. 

California employers must also continue to follow CDPH isolation and quarantine guidance. Employees who test positive should isolate for at least five full days and only return once all criteria have been met. Employees who are identified as a close contact should mask up for 10 days and monitor for symptoms accordingly. More information can be found here. 

While the PHE’s are ending, employers still have responsibility to keep their employees safe and healthy. Contact our consulting team for guidance.