Newsom Issues Executive Orders Around COVID-19 Response Activities, School Flexibility

On Thursday, the Governor issued Executive Order N-25-20 to further support COVID-19 response activities. The Governor’s executive order:

• Waives the one-week waiting period for people to apply for unemployment or disability insurance as a result of COVID-19.
• Delays the deadline for filing state taxes for individuals and business by 60 days for those unable to comply due compliance with public health requirements for COVID-19.
• Directs residents to follow public health directives and guidance related to non-essential mass gatherings.
• Allows the state to commandeer property to be used as temporary residences and/or medical facilities to treat, isolate or quarantine individuals.
• Waives requirements related to open meetings to allow for meetings to be held via virtually or telephonically.
• Allows the Director of the Emergency Medical Services Authority to implement additional local optional scopes of practice as needed.

On Friday afternoon, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-26-20 to set forth guidelines around local educational agencies (LEAs) that choose to close temporarily due to COVID-19. For LEAs that close temporarily to retain state funding, LEAs must:

• Continue delivering high-quality educational opportunities to students through other options, distance learning, and independent study.
• Safely provide school meals through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option.
• Arrange for the supervision of students during ordinary school hours to the extent practicable.
• Continue to pay employees.