Despite the recent reopening of the economy that lifted statewide COVID-19 restrictions, the California State Capitol released new guidelines regarding masks on Tuesday.
California lawmakers, legislative staff and public visitors will still be required to wear face coverings in certain areas of the Capitol, regardless of vaccination status. The guidelines were sent out in an internal memo to members and employees on June 22.
Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras and Assembly Rules Chief Administrative Officer Debra Gravert said in a staff email obtained by The Sacramento Bee that everyone in the building "must wear face coverings in common areas like elevators, hallways, stairs, restrooms, committee rooms and the Senate and Assembly chambers."
Even though elevator capacity will be increased to four people, Contreras and Gravert emphasized that social distancing will continue to be "encouraged in all common areas/shared spaces." Plexiglass shields will remain in place and employee workstations will still be distanced.
Fully vaccinated members of staff are permitted to take their masks off while in their own office and are allowed to attend work events without their face coverings. However, those who remain unvaccinated may only remove their masks when alone in a room or while eating six feet away from others.
"Let's put it this way: it's taking a while for everybody to get on the same page," KCBS Radio Insider Phil Matier said on Wednesday. "Like the governor said, it's time to take the masks off."
Unvaccinated legislators and employees will also be required to engage in a weekly COVID-19 test at Cal Expo. They will only be permitted entry into the building if they receive a negative COVID-19 result.
"You keep the masks in your pocket because you never know when you're going to need them," Matier added.
Gravert ended the email with a reminder for members and staff "to be respectful, fair, and without bias in interactions with all persons," while warning against asking "why someone is not vaccinated."
"Someone could have a religious exemption or medical condition that makes the vaccine dangerous for them," the email said.
