Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Cal/OSHA released its third and final version of its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that was approved by the Standards Board at its April 21, 2022 meeting. The revised standard is expected to remain in effect from May 6, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

The third revision removes some language and requirements. Most notably:

• Requirements of the ETS are the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, and the definition for “fully vaccinated” has been removed.

• California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) guidance governs exclusion and return-to-work criteria for those with a close contact, and when face coverings are required.

• The “light test” for face coverings has been removed.

• Self-administered and self-read testing is now acceptable to return to work when it includes independent verification like time-stamped photography.

• A new definition for “returned case” has been added to identify those who have returned to work per the requirements in the ETS and did not develop COVID-19 symptoms.

• Cleaning and disinfection procedures have been removed.

• Requirements for physical distancing (except when there is a major outbreak) and barriers have been removed.

Cal/OSHA has revised several documents that may be helpful for employers:

• FAQ on COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards

• What Employers and Workers Need to Know About COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

• Revisions to the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards

Rancho Mesa has revised its COVID-19 Prevention Program template based on the April 6, 2022 proposed revised ETS language. Download a copy of the template from within the Risk Management Center, or from the link below.