Think Twice Before You Travel: San Francisco Travel Order

San Francisco has issued a Travel Order (“Order”) that will be in effect until January 4, 2021. Under this Order people traveling, moving, or returning to San Francisco from outside the 10 Bay Area Counties are required to quarantine for 10 days in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.

While there are a few exemptions to this Order, such as for medical professionals, first responders, and essential infrastructure, most people who travel to/return to San Francisco from outside the Bay Area are required quarantine for 10 days. During this quarantine period, a person will need to remain inside, without physical interaction with others, and should have food, groceries, and other essentials delivered to them during this timeframe.

While this Travel Order is an effort to help limit the spread of Covid-19 as cases continue to surge, Employers must determine how to accommodate employees who travel and must quarantine upon return. The Order does not require Employers to prohibit employees from traveling, nor require employers to ask where an employee is going on vacation.  However, if an Employer is aware that their employee is required to quarantine the Employer must not allow an employee to return to the workplace during this time. Under the Order, Employers must allow employees to quarantine if required and cannot force or knowingly allow employees to violate this Order. During this quarantine, employees may utilize the benefits under the Employers standard policies depending on the employee’s eligibility.

To learn more about your obligations as an Employer in relation to this Order, and to make sure you have proper Covid-19 policies in place, please contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.