As an unprecedented operation begins to deploy millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the country, employers question whether they may lawfully require that employees be vaccinated. Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) weighed in with guidance. The EEOC guidance makes points including the following: An employer (or a vendor contracted by the employer) administering a COVID-19 vaccine to employees is not conducting “medical examinations” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The…

Please join our December 18 webinar “Understanding Cal/OSHA’s New Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulation.”  The regulation – the most sweeping pandemic-related requirements yet – is now in effect and being enforced.  Most employers are subject to the requirements, with few exceptions.  This webinar will equip you to comply and do so efficiently. You will find the registration link and more information HERE. Firm labor and employment partners Sahara Pynes and Jeffrey Horton Thomas will present. We…

Many California workers will really be staying at “home for the holidays” given the state’s broad new Stay-at-Home Order that effects California by region.  Currently two regions, Southern California and San Joaquin Valley are subject to these new restrictions as of December 6th at 11:59 pm.   The other three regions have not yet met the threshold, but all are expected to hit that mark soon. Many thanks to John Jung for summarizing the new order…

[YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR WEBINAR – “Understanding Cal/OSHA’s New Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulation,” 11 a.m. Pacific Time, December 18, 2020.  Register here.]  FAQs released yesterday by the State of California are must-read guidance for employers in complying with Cal/OSHA’s new Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulation. Employers should make distilling from the FAQs what is relevant to their operation an immediate priority, as the regulation became effective and enforceable on Monday, November 30, 2020. The…

PLEASE JOIN OUR FIRM’S WEBINAR – “Understanding Cal/OSHA’s New Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulation,” December 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time.  Register here. [UPDATE: Cal/OSHA’s Emergency Regulation went into effect on November 30, 2020, as anticipated by the post below.  On December 1, 2020, FAQs giving guidance to employers on complying with the regulation were released by the California Department of Industrial Relations.  My blog post on the FAQs and additional updates may be found…

Effective November 9th, Los Angeles businesses may refuse service to any patron not wearing a mask. Specifically, the new Ordinance states “any business owner or operator in the City of Los Angeles is authorized to refuse admittance or service to any person who refuses or fails to wear a Face Covering when on the premises of the business or when seeking or receiving service.” A Face Covering must cover the nose and mouth and be…