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Governor Newsom Announces California Will Move Into The “Endemic” Phase Of COVID-19 Response


(COVID-19 UPDATE)

At a press conference on February 17th, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will be moving into a new phase of its response to COVID-19 and implementing the “SMARTER Plan.” The SMARTER Plan marks California’s exit from the pandemic phase of COVID-19 and the beginning of the “endemic” phase, indicating an acceptance that the virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future and developing policies to live with it.


The acronym ‘SMARTER” stands for the seven (7) pillars of the new COVID-19 response plan:


  • Shotsvaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness.


  • Masksproperly worn masks with good filtration help slow the spread of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.


  • Awareness we will continue to stay aware of how COVID-19 is spreading, evolving variants, communicating clearly how people should protect themselves, and coordinate our state and local government response.


  • ReadinessCOVID-19 isn’t going away and we need to be ready with the tools, resources and supplies we will need to quickly respond and keep public health and the health care system well prepared.


  • Testinggetting the right type of tests – PCR or antigen – to where they are needed most. Testing will help California minimize the spread of COVID-19.



  • Education California will continue to work to keep schools open and children safely in classrooms for in-person instruction.


  • Rxevolving and improving treatments will become increasingly available and critical as a tool to save lives.


Gone are the specific thresholds and triggers of the previous “Blueprint for a Safer Economy Plan.” Rather, the new SMARTER Plan calls for a more flexible and targeted approach to combat any new variants or surges that may develop in the future. Specifically, California will surveil wastewater throughout the state to detect any new variants and strategically deploy resources to the most impacted regions. 


While the SMARTER Plan is devoid of specific initiatives affecting the workplace, it does provide a good indicator of California’s COVID-19 policy moving forwards. A continued focus on COVID-19 vaccination should be expected as well as increased restrictions during surges. Additionally, California continues to encourage mask use in high risk settings, public transportation, crowded indoor settings, and for individuals who are unvaccinated, at-risk, or with COVID-19 exposure.

We will continue to monitor major COVID-19 related developments that impact the workplace. If you have any questions about the matters discussed in this issue of Compliance Matters, please call your firm contact at 818-508-3700 or visit us online at www.brgslaw.com.


Sincerely,

Richard S. Rosenberg

Katherine A. Hren

Charles H.W. Foster

www.brgslaw.com
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