Calif. governor seems unlikely to lift worker mask mandate

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared disinclined Friday to insert himself into the regulatory process for workplaces สล็อตxo  after a state safety board upset business groups by approving new rules that require all workers to wear masks unless everyone around them is vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The revised rules, approved after a long and sometimes contentious meeting Thursday, eliminate social distancing requirements in workplaces but run counter to Newsom's plan to ”fully" reopen California in less than two weeks and allow vaccinated people to skip face coverings in nearly all situations.

Critics hadn't decided if they will push Newsom to override the workssite rules adopted on the second try by the board that sets standards for California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA.

“Who knows what Gavin Newsom's going to do exactly? But I think that this, even revised as they did yesterday, is wildly at variance with what the governor has indicated he wants to do on June 15,” said Bryan Little, California Farm Bureau director of employment policy.

Cal/OSHA's regulations apply to almost every workplace in the state, including workers in offices, factories and retail operations. Its pandemic rules apply to all employees except those working from home or where a single employee does not have contact with others. The revisions are expected to take effect in mid-June.

Newsom said he was beginning to review the decision by what he called an independent board but that is one he appoints.

“We're pleased they made progress moving in the right direction,” he said Friday.

But Newsom urged the board to keep revising its rules as infection rates fall and vaccinations increase, and he promised to keep working with management and labor “to see where we land.”