Monterey County to Require Employees to be Vaccinated, Masks in County Facilities for Employees and the Public

On Friday, July 30 the Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to require all county employees to be vaccinated unless they have an authorized exemption. The Board also voted to change masking requirements in county buildings. While the state recently announced vaccination or testing requirements for certain workers in hospitals, health care and congregate settings, the Board of Supervisors on July 30 voted to implement stronger measures against COVID-19. In recent weeks, the county’s case and hospitalization rates have seen a dramatic increase. All county employees will be required to show proof of vaccination unless they have an authorized exemption. Those with exemptions will be required to submit to weekly testing. Employees who would be required to undergo more frequently testing under the new State Order will follow those guidelines. “Having been one of the counties that was hardest hit by the pandemic to being one of the most improved counties, it calls upon us to take more action to protect our residents,” says First District Supervisor Luis Alejo. “This hopefully sets an example for other businesses and employers to require vaccination of their employees.” This new policy will take effect on August 16th. At that time, employees will have 30 days to provide proof of vaccination or authorized exemption. All employees are also required to complete the county certification process, either by using the Monterey County Connect app or a paper form, indicating their vaccination status. “As a local government we have a duty to model best practices in public health and maximizing vaccination rates is a best practice. It is one thing we can do to keep Monterey County safe, keep our businesses open and when schools open in the fall, keep our schools open,” says Chair of the Board and District Four Supervisor Wendy Root Askew. “I am generally one who feels strongly about personal choice about what happens with your body so I don’t take the decision about this vaccination mandate lightly. We have an overriding responsibility to ensure the health and safety of those around us.” Additionally, to increase safety for both employees and the public, a mask mandate for county buildings will go into effect August 16, 2021. Everyone entering a county facility or building will be required to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status.