Vaccinations to be required for California health care workers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KMPH) — The California Department of Public Health says the rise of ICU patients and hospitalizations as a result of the delta variant has led to two new health orders for the state.
According to CDPH, the first order requires those in health care settings to be fully vaccinated, or at least have a second dose, by Sept. 30.
“As we continue to see an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, it’s important that we protect the vulnerable patients in these settings,” said State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón. “Today’s action will also ensure that health care workers themselves are protected. Vaccines are how we end this pandemic.”
The second public health order deals with workers in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities. These individuals must verify that visitors have been tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the visit, or they must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated.
CDPH says health care facilities are considered high risk for COVID-19 outbreaks.
To date, 45 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered and close to 77% of those in California have had at least one dose.
