The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) reminding licensed health facilities of their obligation to report outbreaks and unusual infectious disease occurrences to their local health department (LHD) and Licensing and Certification District Office. The letter provides investigation and reporting thresholds for COVID-19, which are intended to expedite facilities' investigation of cases and reporting to public health authorities. The thresholds help ensure early detection of possible outbreaks and timely intervention to prevent the virus' spread. Reporting of outbreaks and unusual infectious disease occurrences does not replace reporting of individual COVID-19 cases as part of state and local COVID-19 surveillance. When the reporting threshold is reached and reported, LHDs will determine if the cases constitute an outbreak. The letter also outlines specific thresholds for acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and long-term acute care hospitals. Non-compliance with these reporting requirements may result in penalties or other consequences for healthcare facilities.

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