As we head into spring, Omicron cases have been trending downward. Still, to minimize the spread of the virus, we need to encourage people to stay home when they or a family member contract COVID.

With this in mind, the state Legislature renewed paid COVID sick leave of up to 80 hours for Californians who work at places with 26 or more employees. This is a separate bank of hours on top of regular sick leave and can be pro-rated for part-time workers. The benefit is retroactive to January 1 of this year and will remain in effect through September.

Workers can use the time to care for themselves or a family member if they get COVID. An employer may request proof of a positive test. The sick leave may also be used if a child's school is under a virus-related closure, forcing a parent with no childcare options to miss work.

Anyone still needing a COVID vaccine or booster can find a location here. Note that the COVID sick time can also be used to go to vaccine appointments or stay home if workers aren't feeling well after receiving the shot.

In the meantime, stay safe. I hope to see you at my first in-person Town Hall since the pandemic started. RSVP here to attend Saturday morning's event at the California Academy of Sciences.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District