Los Angeles County has mandated all healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 30, aligning itself with California state orders.

In July, California had announced a mandate that would include weekly COVID-19 tests for those who chose to not be vaccinated, but both the state and Los Angeles County have flipped on that decision and will ask all healthcare workers to be fully vaccinated.

L.A. Public Health’s mandate extends to active workers at healthcare facilities, as well as contractors, volunteers, students. emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dental office workers and home healthcare workers.

As with the state mandate, there will be medical and religious exemptions, with those workers expected to take up to two COVID-19 tests per week, depending on the facility. Those who are exempt will be asked to wear medical grade masks or N95 respirators.

According to the California Department of Public Health those seeking exemption “must also provide to their employer a written statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the exemption (but the statement should not describe the underlying medical condition or disability) and indicating the probable duration of the worker’s inability to receive the vaccine (or if the duration is unknown or permanent, so indicate).”

According to state and county regulations, being fully vaccinated means two weeks have passed since receiving either a single does of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, or two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine.

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