California mandates vaccines for health care workers amid delta variant surge

The California Department of Public Health said Thursday it would implement what officials described as a “first in the nation” mandate that health care workers be fully vaccinated by the end of September.

"As we continue to see an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, it’s important that we protect the vulnerable patients in these settings," CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Tomás J. Aragón said. "Today’s action will also ensure that health care workers themselves are protected. Vaccines are how we end this pandemic." According to the executive order, workers need to receive their second dose or be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30. The state said it would offer limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons.