Masks Once Again Required Indoors Regardless of Vaccination Status

On August 2, 2021, the Health Officers for the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley, all announced a mask mandate, requiring that everyone wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The Orders go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 3, 2021.

There are limited exceptions, such as for those working alone in a closed room or office, or actively performing an activity that cannot be done while wearing a mask (e.g., eating or drinking), or for those specifically exempted due to medical or other reasons outlined by the California Department of Public Health here.

All businesses and governmental entities are also required to post clearly visible and easy-to-read signage at all entry points for indoor settings to communicate the requirement to anyone entering the facility. Click here for sample signage.

This is an unfortunate step backwards and unwelcome news for all. We can only hope this will be a short-lived measure and that vaccination rates improve while COVID-19 cases decrease.

Click here for a copy of the full Order of the Santa Clara County Health Officer.

For more information in regards to the legal alert, please contact us here.

Our Employment Law Group

	Sarju Naran (he/him) is a zealous advocate for his clients and approaches litigation with creativity and strategy. Chair of Hoge Fenton’s Employment Law Group, Sarju’s experience spans from representing middle-market and family-owned closely held businesses to large multi-national companies. He regularly litigates and provides advice and counsel to companies on wage and hour issues, trade secret misappropriation, employee mobility, wrongful termination, performance management, and leaves of absence.
	Jenn Protas (she/her) helps employers navigate California’s numerous employment laws and defends employers with an eye toward successful, yet cost-effective resolution. Jenn is a committed advocate for her clients and a tenacious litigator. She defends employers on matters related to wage and hour law, wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in single-plaintiff litigation, Private Attorney General Act actions, and/or class actions. Jenn’s practice also includes housing discrimination matters and business litigation.
	Maysa Saeed (she/her) is an associate attorney in Hoge Fenton’s Employment Law Practice Group. Her practice focuses on employment counseling and litigation and assists clients in all aspects of employment law. Prior to joining Hoge Fenton, Maysa was a litigation associate with experience litigating various commercial, employment, and real estate matters. Maysa’s litigation experience provides her with invaluable insight and perspective when advocating and advising clients to resolve or prevent legal disputes.

This webinar is provided as an educational service by Hoge Fenton for clients and friends of the firm. This communique is an overview only, and should not be construed as legal advice or advice to take any specific action. Please be sure to consult a knowledgeable professional with assistance with your particular legal issue. © 2021 Hoge Fenton