California COVID-19 Employer Notification Requirement

On September 17, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 685 into law.  Beginning January 1, 2021, this bill will require California employers to notify their California employees regarding a potential exposure to COVID-19.  They will also be required to notify the local health departments of any COVID-19 outbreaks. 

An individual that would cause your company to have to give notice is someone who:

• Has a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19;

• Has a positive COVID-19 diagnosis from a licensed health care provider;

• Has a COVID-19 related order to quarantine from a public health official; or

• Has died from COVID-19.

Notice to employees should follow when an employer is notified by:

1. A public health official or licensed medical provider;

2. The employee or contractor who has a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19; or

3. The testing protocol of the employer.

More guidance is available from Cal/OSHA by clicking on the link.