The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) providing guidance on exposure risk assessment and quarantine duration for healthcare personnel (HCP) exposed to SARS-CoV-2. The AFL applies to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and SNF residents. It includes guidance on return to work for HCP diagnosed with COVID-19 and strategies to mitigate staffing shortages. The CDC and the California Department of Public Health continue to recommend a 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals after exposure. However, during critical staffing shortages, asymptomatic unvaccinated HCP may discontinue quarantine after Day 10 or return to work after Day 7 with a negative PCR test result. Fully vaccinated HCP with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following exposure. The guidance also addresses quarantine and return to work for SNF HCP and residents.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.