Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state’s new Employer Vaccination Toolkit, which will ease the process for employers to request a workplace clinic or local provider partner, making COVID-19 vaccines even more accessible for their employees.

“Anyone who wants to should be able to get vaccinated,” said Governor Newsom. “Getting more people vaccinated will bring us closer to ending this pandemic. That’s why we’re working with employers to make it easier to access COVID-19 vaccines – so no one misses their shot at protecting themselves and the their communities.”

The Employer Vaccination Toolkit provides employers with vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and other guidance for employees, and an online form to request vaccination support.

“We’re all familiar with employee flu-shot programs that have been an effective way to support workforce health,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer. “Now, we’re repeating those same best practices to make it easier for people to access COVID-19 vaccines, including by promoting programs like supplemental paid sick leave so workers can time off if they need it.”

Employers interested in requesting group appointments at nearby providers, or setting up a mobile or pop-up vaccination clinic at their workplace, will complete an online form. A representative will follow up within three business days, and requests will be filled as resources allow. There is no financial cost to the employer.

If approved after completing the survey, the California Department of Public Health will provide the employer a list of local vaccination partners able to support their request. Depending on the employer’s available resources, they may be asked to arrange necessary logistics as requested by the vaccine provider, including space to be used as vaccination stations.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine or scheduling an appointment, visit VaccinateALL58.com or call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 833-422-4255.

Governor Newsom Outlines the State’s Next Step

California has administered 20 million vaccines, including 4 million to the hardest hit communities

State aims to fully reopen on June 15, will continue to require masking and encourage all Californians to get vaccinated

SACRAMENTO – As California surpasses a major milestone in the fight against COVID — administering more than 20 million vaccine doses, including 4 million in the state’s hardest-hit communities, and with hospitalizations continuing to steadily decline — Governor Gavin Newsom today outlined the state’s next step in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, moving beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met:

·    If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and

·    If hospitalization rates are stable and low

Everyday activities will be allowed, and businesses can open with common-sense risk reduction measures, including encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated and mandating masking, to prevent illness and promote health. The state will continue contact tracing and testing to detect cases early and contain spread of the virus. The entire state will move into this new phase as a whole. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access and vaccine efficacy against variants, with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed.

“With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California’s economy,” said Governor Newsom. “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant and continue the practices that got us here – wearing masks and getting vaccinated – but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter.”

“California has made incredible progress controlling the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, masking, and getting vaccines out quickly to Californians in every corner of the state, including in those communities hardest hit by this pandemic,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “In order to take the next step, we must continue to do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine.”

When California fully reopens the economy, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will end. However, common-sense health measures such as masking will remain across the state. Testing or vaccination verification requirements will remain in relevant settings.

For more information on the state’s move beyond the Blueprint, click here. 

All sectors listed in the current Blueprint for a Safer Economy grid may return to usual operations in compliance with Cal/OSHA requirements and with common-sense public health policies in place, such as required masking, testing and with vaccinations encouraged. Large-scale indoor events, such as conventions, will be allowed to occur with testing or vaccination verification requirements.  

In partnership with the Legislature, California will provide $500 million in new COVID-19 Relief Grant funding for small businesses.

Additional $12.5 million added to the California Rebuilding Fund launched last week