What COVID-19 rules do we need to follow in the workplace?

California’s COVID-19-specific workplace rules have largely sunset. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 regulation expired on February 3, 2025, with the exception of the regulation’s recordkeeping requirements, Title 8 CCR sec. 3205(j).

Under this provision, employers must keep a record of and track all cases of COVID-19 in their workplace. Records must include the following information:

• The employee’s name;
• Contact information;
• Employee’s workplace location;
• Date of the employee’s last day worked; and
• Date of the positive test or COVID-19 diagnosis.

Employers must retain these records for at least two years. Additionally, employers must maintain COVID-19 exposure notice records that they issued under the COVID-19 regulation or California’s now-expired COVID-19 exposure notice law (Labor Code section 6409.6). Employers must provide the records to local health departments and government agencies when required by law or on request.

These recordkeeping requirements apply until February 3, 2026.

Though the COVID-19 prevention regulations have largely expired, employers must still provide a safe and healthy workplace, per Labor Code section 6400, and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP). In other words, depending on the circumstances, employers should still evaluate COVID-19 as a potential workplace hazard under their IIPP and, if needed, put appropriate precautions and procedures in place. Employers should consult legal counsel with questions related to the circumstances specific to their worksites.