Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state order that will require all teachers and staff to either show proof of vaccination or take a weekly test for COVID-19.

The order will take effect Thursday, August 12 and apply to both public and private K-12 schools, but not home schools.

“To give parents confidence that their children are safe as schools return to full, in-person learning, we are urging all school staff to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are how we will end this pandemic,” Governor Newsom said. “As a father, I look forward to the start of the school year and seeing all California kids back in the classroom.”

Qualifying proof of vaccination include vaccination cards received during the vaccination process, a photo of the vaccination card, a digital record of the vaccination stored on an electronic device, documentation from  health care provider, or documentation provided from past employers who verified vaccination for its workers.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must submit weekly antigen or molecular COVID-19 tests that have been authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In July, California ordered a universal indoor mask mandate that would require all students, teachers and staff to be masked on campuses.

The state has also issued recently issued vaccination mandates for state employees and all health care workers. Health care workers have until September 30 to show proof of full vaccination, while state employees have until October 1.

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