Newsom Issues Executive Orders Addressing Various Issues on COVID-19, Elections

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom issued two executive orders amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we provide a brief summary of the orders.

Executive Order N-75-20

On Monday, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-75-20 addressing a series of issues and areas related to COVID-19. Notably, the order authorizes the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), in consultation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to issue waivers permitting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to conduct CLIA-waived COVID-19 tests. Additionally, the order addresses items related to adoptions, the Community Service Block Grant, CalWORKs benefits, CARES Act “Recovery Rebates,” and healthcare capacity of home health agencies, pediatric day health facilities, and respite care facilities.

Executive Order N-76-20

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-76-20 extended the deadline for county elections officials to count and verify signatures submitted for initiative petitions seeking to qualify for the November 2022 ballot, giving elections officials flexibility to focus on preparations for the General Election this November.