In an unprecedented step to combating the pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that all California teachers and school staff will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or be tested at least once per week.
“To give parents confidence that their children are safe as schools return to full, in-person learning, we are urging all school staff to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are how we will end this pandemic,” Newsom said. “As a father, I look forward to the start of the school year and seeing all California kids back in the classroom.”
The news makes California the first state in the nation to mandate vaccinations for all staff in both public and private school settings. Hawaii state officials were the first to implement mandates related to public employees, including teachers and school staff.
During his announcement in Alameda, Newsom made clear that the requirement will apply to all staff - from teachers to school bus drivers and custodians.
The new policy will go into effect on Aug. 12, 2021, and schools must be in full compliance by Oct. 15, 2021. Free testing resources are available to K-12 schools through the CA schools testing program.
The governor’s announcement comes as cases and hospitalizations rise across California due to the contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.
“Today’s announcement is an appropriate next step to ensure the safety of our school communities and to protect our youngest learners under 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible," said California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd.
Critics of the governor's state mandates have been vocal about their opposition. Last week the Orange County Board of Education announced plans to sue Newsom over the state mandate requiring masks in classrooms -- saying the face coverings were harmful to children. This week, board president Mari Barke said the new mandate only fuels their arguments.
"For the governor to decide what people should do...I'm not in favor," Barke said. "I think it is extreme government overreach for them to be mandating [vaccinations]."
In addition to the newly-announced school mandates, Newsom has already mandated vaccinations for state employees and health care workers.
When it comes to schools, enforcement will be the key issue when it comes to mask and vaccination mandates.
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When asked if he considered a more restrictive requirement to get more teachers and educators vaccinated, Newsom said he believes the mandate will do as intended and encourage staff to get vaccinated.
“We have an education code and we don't distinguish this versus all other rules and requirements,” Newsom said. “It's well defined in the state. We’re not concerned...we have enlightened leaders. The health and safety of the students they’re serving is their mission.”
Newsom offered no concrete comment when asked if he could require vaccinations for students once COVID-19 vaccines are approved by the FDA.
Despite California leading the nation in vaccinations, with more than 46 million doses administered, Newsom's office said the state is seeing increasing numbers of unvaccinated people being admitted to the ICU and succumbing to the virus.