What happened?

On January 9, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated it is COVID-19 isolation guidance, 

What are the details?

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its definition and protocol for what they considered an “infectious period,” moving away from a standard five days of isolation (for COVID cases) to focus on clinical symptoms to determine when to end isolation.

The California Division of Occupational Health and Safety (Cal/OSHA) COVID regulations (in effect until 2025), incorporate the CDPH’s definition of infectious period and its guidance for isolation. This means that the revised CDPH guidance applies to workplaces covered by Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 regulation.

The order expresses that all people should wear a mask according to the recommendations of When and Why to Wear a Mask by the CDPH.

The updated topics are:

• Close Contact
• Confirmed Case
• Infectious Period
• Outbreak

Business Considerations

• Update your policies to meet the new definitions.
• It is recommended that, for a possible case, wearing a mask and getting tested are good policies to implement.
• Follow the recommendations and regulations in the Workplace Settings here: link.

Resources

• COVID-19 isolation guidance
• COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations
• Official Release from CDPH

Source References

• CDPH, Cal/OSHA Update COVID-19 Isolation Guidance (California Chamber of Commerce)
• California Department of Public Health Issues New Order Revising COVID-19 Definitions and Procedures (Ogletree Deakins)
• Cal/OSHA Updates the “Outbreak” Definition and Masking Guidance (VensureHR)

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