Covid-19 vaccine mandates are becoming more and more widespread with large companies such as Google, Walmart, and other industries requiring employees to be fully vaccinated. Now some counties are implementing proof of Covid-19 vaccination requirements for certain local business. Just this week, San Francisco (“SF”) announced that effective August 20, 2021, restaurant, bars, clubs, gyms, and large indoor events will be required to get proof of vaccination from patrons 12 years and older to protect against the continued spread of Covid-19 and that all employees who work on site will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated by October 13, 2021, with limited exceptions.
What should employers & business owners do?
While SF employers have until October 13, 2021, to comply with proof vaccination requirements for their employees, employers should take steps immediately to notify all employees of this new vaccination mandate, as well as understand any exemptions that may apply (i.e., medical, or religious exemptions). Additionally, SF business owners should prepare a policy for how you address/handle review of your patrons proof of Covid-19 vaccination prior to entering your establishment.
Covid-19 vaccine mandates have recently become a highly controversial area, with new case law developing every week supporting the implementation of Covid-19 vaccines by public and private industries understanding your legal right and obligations as an employer and a business owner is crucial. Just yesterday, the US Supreme Court rejected the challenge to Indiana University’s Covid-19 Vaccine mandate for their students. If you are interested in learning more about vaccine mandates, creating a vaccination policy or to learn how to implement vaccine policy for your customers/clients, contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
This material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute legal advice. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: CDC Public Health Library [Lauren Bishop]).