As California continues to boast the lowest COVID-19 rates in the country, vaccination mandates are going into effect in workplaces and schools.

California became the first state to announce a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all public and private school students in grades seven through 12. This would take effect following the FDA's full approval of the vaccine for children ages 12 and older.

In this week's "In Focus SoCal," host Tanya McRae sits down with Rep. Tony Cárdenas to discuss federal mandates announced by President Joe Biden that will require companies with 100 or more employees to have workers either be fully vaccinated or get tested weekly to come to work. Seventeen million Americans who work at health care facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding are also subject to the mandate.

"The only way we're going to get this pandemic behind us is if enough people get the vaccine," said Cárdenas.

In Los Angeles County, certain indoor venues including bars, lounges, nightclubs and wineries will require employees and patrons to show proof of vaccination starting Oct. 7.

Dr. Andrea A. Kim, chief epidemiologist at LA County's Public Health Department, joined McRae to explain how the county's revised quarantine policy for unvaccinated students will work. She also had a message for parents who are hesitant to get their children vaccinated.

"Every step that is required to make sure a vaccine is safe and effective has been followed," said Kim. "There's no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects adolescent development or future fertility."

McRae also meets one LAUSD mother who was hesitant at first about getting her sons vaccinated but decided to do it after speaking with their doctors.

Send us your thoughts to InFocusSoCal@charter.com and watch at 9 a.m. and noon Sundays.