California Food Workers Can Now Get Extra Paid Leave If Sickened By Coronavirus

Updated 6:11 p.m.

Workers across California’s food industry who fall ill with the coronavirus will get supplemental sick leave under an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday. 

“I hope this will significantly address some of the anxiety” felt by workers on farms and in processing plants, delivery trucks and restaurants, Newsom said.  

“We don’t want you going to work if you’re sick,” he said. “If you’re sick, it’s OK to acknowledge it … and still know that you're going to get a supplemental paycheck.”

The executive order represents an agreement between the California Grocers Association, which represents grocery stores, and the United Food and Commercial Workers union. 

It applies to companies with 500 or more employees. Smaller businesses were already required to provide supplemental sick leave under a federal coronavirus relief bill. 

“You put your personal health on the line every single day,” Newsom said of workers in the food industry. “I want you to know you’re not disposable. You are essential and you’re valued.”

Newsom delayed his daily briefing Thursday because of a call with President Donald Trump and other governors about reopening sectors across the country. 

The governor did not get into details of the call, but said Trump recognizes that different states and counties will have their own needs and timelines for reopening. 

“It certainly was in line with what we were hoping to hear,” he said. 

After the call with governors, the White House released guidelines for reopening state economies.

Newsom, who earlier this week unveiled his own roadmap to reopening California's economy,  emphasized the need for reopening via ”a phased approach … based upon conditions” of each area. 

The governor also revealed more than 18,000 coronavirus tests were conducted in California over the previous 24 hours, representing progress toward his goal to have 25,000 tests daily by the end of April.

Still, he said his top priority is to ensure that traditionally underserved groups have access to testing and treatment. “It’s incumbent upon government to be there and protect the most vulnerable,” he said.

When asked directly about whether he would endorse former Vice President Joe Biden for president, Newsom sidestepped, saying his energy has been focused on addressing the coronavirus and “the immediate needs of 40 million Californians.”