Employees with the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine under a new mandatory policy, Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor and Executive Officer/Clerk of Court Sherri R. Carter announced.
According to a news release, the 4,600 employees must be vaccinated "as a condition of employment no later than 45 days after the Food & Drug Administration gives final approval to at least one COVID-19 vaccine."
Carter says those with a medical condition that prevents them from getting a vaccine or those with "a confirmed sincerely held religious belief "can request to exempted from this vaccination as "a reasonable accommodation." Those with medical exemptions must have proof from their medical provider.
Those who aren't exempt must submit their vaccine verification through a portal. Carter says the information submitted will be kept confidential.
Judges will be provided a portal submit their vaccinations on Friday.
Court officials say that the court has required face masks since June 2020 and while social distancing is "no longer required", attorneys are encouraged to appear remotely for hearings.
“Vaccination is the chief tool we have as a society to keep everyone safe and end this pandemic,” Presiding Judge Taylor said in a statement. “Earlier this year, the Court worked with county health department officials to prioritize vaccinations for court staff, judicial officers and justice partners working in our court facilities. The Court is now proud to join healthcare companies, higher education, businesses, and government to do its part to promote public health and safety.”
“The Court’s employees are considered disaster service workers under state law and are required to deliver statutorily mandated, time-sensitive and emergency services in times of local, state and national emergencies such as this global pandemic," said Carter.
"People who enter our courthouses are required, and many times ordered, to come to court so it is important that the Court do everything possible to protect our workforce and the public we serve.”