Huntington Beach City Council Bans Any Future Mask Mandates and Vaccine Mandates

Huntington Beach says “No Thank You”…

No Masks, No COVID-19 Vaccines.

Everyone has been hearing about the rise in COVID-19 cases, nationally- even the first lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. COVID-19 is re-entering the discussion on the news, in employment settings, in sports, and in schools. Employers and employees may be surprised to know that a local city council is taking a stand against masks and vaccine mandates.

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Huntington Beach City Council voted to ban universal mask and COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the city. Huntington Beach’s Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark, who introduced the motion at the City Council meeting, stated that mask mandates “unnecessarily limited the freedoms of the citizens of Huntington Beach- even those who were not around anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 or at risk of any exposure.”

In other words, masks and vaccine requirements will be prohibited by the city of Huntington Beach. City employees will not have to wear masks or show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, and individuals will not be asked to mask up or show proof of vaccination on city property.

Private businesses, especially employers, may still choose to require masks and proof of vaccination, but employers should beware that the tides are turning. Employers may receive more pushback by both employees and customers given the City of Huntington Beach’s strong stance against both masks and vaccine requirements.