Santa Clara County has entered the yellow tier, the least stringent category under the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The move has brought a loosening of restrictions generally welcomed by businesses. But one new requirement in  the May 18 Santa Clara County public health order – that all businesses ascertain the COVID-19 vaccination status of workers at their facilities — has many owners and managers scrambling to determine specifically what they must do.

The requirement to determine whether workers are fully vaccinated applies not only to employees, but also to contractors and vendors, including those from other counties. The initial assessment must be done by June 1, 2021, and businesses must obtain updated vaccination statuses every 14 days thereafter for all workers who report not being fully vaccinated. 

The California Apartment Association has published an Industry Insight addressing the most frequently asked questions about the new requirement and some of the unique situations facing rental housing providers. Because some issues remain unclear, CAA has requested clarification from the county and will update the Industry Insight as more information becomes available.