Updates on California COVID-19 Protocol in the Workplace

The California Department of Public Health has made new updates to its protocols on the coronavirus and workplace standards. As the COVID-19 pandemic shifts into an endemic phase, the rules at the state and federal levels are continuously changing. If you have questions about COVID-19 protocols in your workplace or believe that your rights as an employee have been violated, call or contact an experienced California employment law attorney in your area today to schedule a consultation.

Updated Provisions

In its latest update, the California Department of Public Health revised its protocols for isolation and quarantine. First, it removed the quarantine recommendations for people who have been exposed to the coronavirus in the general public but remain asymptomatic. Second, it added recommendations for work exclusion or restrictions in work settings that are specified under the state code as “high risk,” such as healthcare settings. Third, it updated the definitions on what the Department of Public Health considers “close contact” and “infectious period.”

Updated COVID-19 Definitions

According to the state’s Department of Public Health, as of April 6 there are new definitions for what is considered “close contact” and an “infectious period.” In order to be in “close contact” with an infected person, someone must share the same indoor airspace for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period during a person’s infectious period.

The “infectious period” for a person has also been adjusted depending on whether that person is symptomatic or asymptomatic. For symptomatic people, the “infectious period” ranges from two days before the infected person had symptoms through day 10 after symptoms first appeared. An infectious period has also ended through day five if the infected person is testing negative on day five or later. In addition, 24 hours must pass without fever, the use of fever-reducing medications, and symptoms have improved in order to be out of the “infectious period.” For asymptomatic persons infected with COVID-19, their infectious period ranges from two days before the positive test date through day 10 after a positive test result. The infectious period can also end after day five if the person infected has tested negative on day five or later after the date of the first positive test.

Impact on California Employees

The changes to the rules regarding COVID-19 close contact and infectious periods could have an impact on California workers. Based on the new definitions and updated protocols, employees may have to return to work earlier than anticipated or be denied leave for the coronavirus if their employer deems that they have not met the new standards for close contact with an infected person. If you would like to learn more about how the updates may impact your workplace, talk to an employment law attorney today.

Talk to a Lawyer Now

As a worker in California, you have certain rights that cannot be violated by your employer. If you believe that you have a claim against your employer, call or contact an experienced employment law attorney in your area to schedule a consultation.