SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Many California workers can start claiming COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave beginning Saturday, Feb. 19.
On Feb. 9, Gov. Newsom signed legislation extending up to two weeks of COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave to any full-time California worker of a company with 26 or more employees through Sept. 30, 2022.
California had a similar law last year, but it expired in September.
Viewers have reached out, asking about applying it retroactively or what this means for state and federal workers. Here are some answers:
Am I eligible to receive the COVID-19 sick leave?
You are eligible for 40 hours of COVID sick leave if:
- You are a full-time employee of a company in either the public or private sector with 26 or more employees
- You tested positive for COVID-19
- You need to care for one of your family members that tested positive for COVID-19
- You need to take care of your child who cannot attend school or daycare because of COVID-19 related closures
- You or a family member need to attend a COVID-19 vaccination appointment
- You or a family member need to recover from getting vaccinated
A full-time employee of a company with 26 or more employees is eligible for an additional 40 hours of COVID sick leave if:
- They test positive for COVID-19
- They are caring for a family member who tested positive for COVID-19
Who is considered a "family member"?
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, a family member is classified as a child, parent, spouse, registered domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling.
How can I apply for the COVID-19 sick leave?
"The process for an employee to request supplemental paid sick leave to recover from COVID-19 has been to do so through their employer through a written or oral request," Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo said.
What if I tested positive for COVID-19 when Omicron peaked in January 2022? Am I eligible for this new COVID-19 sick leave?
Yes, under the deal negotiated by Gov. Newsom and California Legislature, paid leave will be retroactive to Jan.1, 2022, and extended through Sept. 30, 2022.
Do I qualify for the COVID-19 sick leave even though I am unvaccinated?
According to Assemblymember Carrillo, yes, those who are not fully vaccinated qualify for paid sick leave.
For a list of vaccination clinics, people can visit the Sacramento County Public Health Vaccination website, call 2-1-1 or visit MyTurn.ca.gov. Homebound residents can contact 2-1-1 to request in-home vaccination services.
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