Last week the California Department of Public Health mandated that all direct care workers (including IHSS workers who support people outside of the home they live in) receive BOTH doses of a two-shot vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer BioNTech), or to have the first shot of a one-shot vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) by December 1, 2021.  The health order allows specified exemptions for religious beliefs and qualified medical reasons.  (The Health order directives for exemptions are listed below.  You can read the full public health order here:  http://www.cdph.ca.gov)

If you have not already submitted a copy of your vaccination card to the office, please email a picture or scanned copy to Cindy at:  CindyBeals@AvenuesSLS.orgIf you want to identify locations where you can receive your vaccination for free, you can call the Avenues Office, call or text your coordinator, or use the following link and put in your zip code to identify a location near you:
https://www.vaccines.gov/MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS:

Avenues SLS is accepting Religious Exemptions and Qualified Medical Exemptions using the IHSS COVID19 Exemption form.  You can download and complete the form using the link below:

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/IHSS/Emergency/COVID19-Vaccine-Exemption-Form-IHSS-WPCS-Providers.pdf

Please submit all Exemption forms to Cindy at CindyBeals@AvenuesSLS.org

Once a vaccination exemption is approved, the unvaccinated exempt worker must meet the following requirements when supporting individuals through Avenues SLS:

a. Show proof of a negative test for COVID on a weekly basis.  Testing must occur once weekly for
un-vaccinated workers beginning December 1st.
b. Wear a surgical mask at all times while supporting people indoors, in a vehicle, and when within 6 feet of the person you are supporting.

If you have any questions regarding this California mandate, please contact Lori, Scott, Kelly, or Cindy.

Thanks for all the work you do supporting people through Avenues SLS!