Coronavirus: California orders sick leave for essential food workers

Executive order provides 2 weeks paid sick leave for those affected by COVID-19

Foreman Rene Fresquez inspects a face shields at movie props company Arete which transitioned its entire workforce to producing medical equipment during the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in North Hollywood, California, U.S., April 16, 2020.

 

Los Angeles: California on Thursday ordered that food workers, considered essential during the coronavirus pandemic, receive two weeks’ extra paid sick leave if they are affected by the virus or quarantine orders.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the executive order would benefit “the people that grow our food... pick our food... pack our food, deliver our food, cook, serve and sell our food.”

Almost all 40 million Californians are under orders to stay home due to the pandemic, with the exception of essential workers such as health, security and public transit employees.