Face Covering Requirement Update

On February 28, 2022, the California Department of Public Health ("CDPH") relaxed the state requirements on the use of face coverings in public indoor settings. Nevertheless, the CDPH, the County of Alameda Public Health Officer, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization universally recommend the use of face coverings as an important safety measure in protecting against COVID-19 and its variants. The County remains committed to maintaining measures that further the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve and has taken steps to ensure face coverings will continue to be worn in County facilities and vehicles.

The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution (Attachment 1) on March 8, 2022, that maintains the status quo regarding face coverings. Specifically, employees, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear a face covering while in County facilities and vehicles, and in private vehicles while on-duty. In addition, all visitors or members of the public who enter County facilities are also required to continue to wear a face covering.

A reminder that employees are only exempt from wearing a face covering during the following limited circumstances:

1. When alone in a room or vehicle;
2. While eating or drinking at the workplace, provided employees are at least (6) feet apart and outside air supply to the area, if indoors, has been maximized to the extent feasible;
3. When an employee is required to wear a respirator in compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations;
4. When the employee has been granted a reasonable accommodation due to a health condition or disability, or when the employee is hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; or
5. When performing specific tasks which cannot feasibly be performed with a face covering. This exception is limited to the time period in which tasks are actually being performed.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities. And many County employees and residents - particularly those in disadvantaged communities - remain at risk of severe disease. Continued adherence to these existing safety measures helps keep all employees and our worksites safe.

Thank you to each and every employee for continuing to do your part to move our community forward. Your individual actions taken together are making a difference in the fight to quell the pandemic. Your commitment to public service and the meaningful work you perform every day for our residents is truly amazing and greatly appreciated.