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Quarantine & Isolation Instructions
General Public
- Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine for COVID-19 @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Healthcare Personnel
- All Facilities Letters - 2021
- Guidance on Quarantine for Health Care Personnel (HCP) Exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and Return to Work for HCP with COVID-19(This AFL supersedes AFL 21-08.7) as of March 7, 2022 @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Workplace Settings: Need to follow Cal/OSHA requirements pertaining to this new Isolation and Quarantine Guidance from CDPH
In the workplace, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) or in some workplaces the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard (PDF), and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.
Schools
For quarantine considerations in K-12 school settings, see CDPH K-12 Schools Guidance and CDPH K-12 testing strategies.
Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations for the General Public (not applicable to healthcare personnel or Schools)
All persons with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or previous infection, should:
Self-isolate and test as soon as possible to determine infection status. Knowing one is infected early during self-isolation enables (a) earlier access to treatment options, if indicated (especially for those who may be at risk for severe illness), and (b) notification of exposed persons (close contacts) who may also benefit by knowing if they are infected. If experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, one can get tested, be seen by a healthcare provider and receive medications, all in one place at a Test to Treat site. For more information including locations, visit the COVID-19 Test to Treat Program (ca.gov).
For symptomatic persons who have tested positive within the previous 90 days, using an antigen test is recommended.
Remain in isolation while waiting for testing results. If not tested, they should continue isolating for 10 days after the day of symptom onset (Day 0), and if they cannot isolate, should wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.
Consider continuing self-isolation and retesting with an antigen or PCR test in 1–2 days if testing negative with an antigen test, particularly if tested during the first 1–2 days of symptoms. Consider repeat testing every 1–2 days for several days until testing positive or symptoms improve.
Continue to self-isolate if test result is positive, follow recommended actions below (Table 1), and contact their healthcare provider about available treatments if symptoms are severe or they are at high risk for serious disease or if they have any questions concerning their care.
Table 1: Persons Who Should Isolate
Persons Who Test Positive for COVID-19 | Recommended Actions |
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Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms. |
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Table 2: Close Contacts – (No Quarantine)
Asymptomatic Persons Who are Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (No Quarantine) | Recommended Actions |
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Everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Persons infected within the prior 30 days do not need to be tested, quarantined, or excluded from work unless symptoms develop. Persons in high-risk settings* should follow recommendations and requirements as listed below. |
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In some workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.