Masks Required for City of Riverside Employees and Public Starting Monday
Published: 7/30/2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30, 2021
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Masks Required for City of Riverside Employees and Public Starting Monday
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The City of Riverside will require employees and visitors to City facilities to wear masks or face coverings starting on Monday (8/2) because of rising COVID-19 infections. The number of positive cases in July 2021 among City employees is the fourth-highest in a month since the start of the pandemic about 18 months ago.
“Our organization is obligated under California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Cal OSHA requirements and recommendations to have a Covid-safe workplace,” City Manager Al Zelinka said. “Consistent with the recent CDPH guidance and recognizing the impact of the Delta variant on transmissibility, effective Monday, August 2nd, face coverings are required for all employees working indoors, or while outdoors when social distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status.”
Face coverings also will be required for members of the public inside City facilities. Exemptions among City employees include emergency services, fire and rescue, outdoor work where distancing is possible, and working in an office alone.
The City also is encouraging employees to become fully vaccinated; maintain social distancing and hygiene; stay home if exhibiting any signs or symptoms, (headache, sore throat, fever, or chills, etc.); and be mindful of Covid-safe practices away from the workplace.
The requirement will be statistically re-evaluated weekly. Any revisions to this requirement will take into consideration updated guidance from the CDPH, County Public Health, and Cal OSHA. The requirement for masking could be modified if guidance from any of those agencies changes, there is a reduction in the Covid-positive metrics, and/or there is a substantial increase in the vaccination rate of City employees.
Riverside County health officials continue to stress that getting vaccinated is the best protection against the virus and its variants.
For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19
