Staff

Last week, the California Department of Public Health issued a new public health order requiring all school staff to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week.

The new policy for school staff will take effect August 12, 2021 and California is the first in the nation to implement the vaccination strategy.

It is just the latest in a series of measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, including vaccination verification for all state workers. California joins a steadily increasing number of U.S. businesses—including Walmart, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and United Airlines—that are imposing mask mandates as the Delta variant continues its deadly surge in our nation and Los Angeles County.

A recent survey found that 38% of workers would consider leaving their current employer if the organization did not enact a vaccine mandate.

Both county and city officials recognize that even employee mandates may not be enough to curtail vaccine urgency as the alarming rise in COVID cases has prompted both the City Council and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to go even further in their pursuit to stop the spread, considering measures that will make it even more difficult for the unvaccinated.

Councilmembers are considering proof of vaccination to engage in certain indoor settings, including concert and sporting venues, gyms, spas, movie theaters, stores, bars and restaurants.

“Enough is enough already,” Martinez said in a statement. “Hospital workers are exhausted, moms who have put aside their careers are tired, and our kids cannot afford the loss of another school year. We have three vaccines that work and are readily available, so what’s it going to take?”

Earlier this week, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors followed suit, voting unanimously to explore the option of requiring residents to show proof of vaccination in outdoor spaces.