As the COVID-19 Omicron variant spreads rapidly, the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”), on December 30, 2021, updated its isolation and quarantine guidance to align closely to the recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (“CDC”) guidance. CDPH recognizes the new 5-day protocols, however, for individuals who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for at least 5 days with isolation ending after day 5, if symptoms are not present or resolving AND if an antigen test collected on day 5 or later is negative. Otherwise, if the person does not test and symptoms resolve, isolation may end after Day 10. And, such persons should wear a well-fitted mask around other people for 10 days.
Unvaccinated and vaccinated people who are eligible for a booster but have not received a booster who were exposed to COVID-19, even without COVID-19 symptoms, should stay home for at least 5 days. Quarantine will end after a negative antigen test on day 5 and no COVID-19 symptoms. Such persons should wear a well-fitted mask around other people for 10 days.
Vaccinated individuals who received a booster, or are not eligible for a booster, and were exposed to COVID-19 do not have to stay home but should test on day 5, as well. And, wear a well-fitted mask around other people for 10 days.
Unfortunately, CDPH guidance may be revised again in the foreseeable future. As such, employers may need to be flexible in updating their COVID-19 policies and procedures. If you recently had your Injury and Illness Prevention Program (“IIPP”) updated, you may need to update it once more to reflect the CDPH’s updated guidance. Garcia & Gurney, ALC will continue to monitor changes in COVID-19 guidance and regulations in the workplace.
