New California rules end distinction for vaccinated workers

Regulation change made for California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Workplace regulators are poised to extend California's coronavirus pandemic regulations into next year with revisions that businesses say could worsen the labor shortage.

The main change in the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board’s revised rule Thursday is that it would erase current distinctions between vaccinated and unvaccinated employees.

Both would be barred from the workplace if they come in close contact with someone with the virus.

Exposed, vaccinated but asymptomatic workers would have to stay home for 14 days even if they test negative.

If they return to work, they would have to wear masks and stay 6 feet from anyone else during those two weeks.