SACRAMENTO- On May 6, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an executive order providing California’s essential workers with new workers’ compensation protection should they contract COVID-19 while working outside of their homes.

The executive order  presumes that workers who contracted COVID-19 were infected on the job and puts the burden on employers to prove otherwise.

“The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) applauds the Governor for recognizing the severe public health consequences of employees showing up for work sick, simply because they can’t risk losing their pay,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “We are extremely grateful to this state’s essential employees and want to see that they are fully protected.   This is also why CSLEA is in full support of Assemblymember Jim Cooper’s AB-664.”

Re: AB 664 (Cooper) Workers’ compensation: injury: communicable disease – Support

AB 664 would classify COVID-19 and other communicable diseases as a presumptive work-related injury for public safety personnel who are in essential positions and required to report for duty, regardless of state or local shelter in place orders.

“AB 664 is an important measure that will ensure public safety personnel are protected during communicable disease emergencies declared at the state or local level by creating an occupational presumption for these illnesses. We applaud Assemblymember Cooper for bringing this measure forward and appreciate the work the state is taking to protect the health and safety of all essential employees,” said Barcelona.

CSLEA Letter of Support for AB 664