By virtue of Governor Gavin Newsom’s February 28, 2022 Executive Order N-5-22, California suspended its COVID-19 masking requirement for most workers, regardless of vaccination status. More specifically, the Governor’s order suspends California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3205 (c) (6) (A), which states, “For all employees who are not fully vaccinated, employers shall provide face coverings and ensure they are worn when indoors or in vehicles.”

Although the masking requirement has been suspended, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends all persons, regardless of vaccination status, continue to mask while in indoor public settings and businesses. It should be noted, those individuals continuing to mask cannot be prevented from doing so, and employers must provide a face covering upon an employee’s request.

Additionally, masking remains a requirement in specific “high transmission settings,” including the following:

  • Indoors in K – 12 schools, and childcare facilities through March 11, 2022
  • On public transportation and in transportation hubs, or any other area that provides transportation
  • Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
  • Healthcare settings
  • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Long term care settings, and adult and senior care facilities

PRISM will continue to monitor the CDPH and Cal/OSHA, and keep members informed of regulatory changes. For questions about this blog or PRISM's monitoring of COVID-19 regulations, please contact PRISM Risk Control.