The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) providing guidance on quarantine for healthcare personnel (HCP) exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and return to work for HCP with COVID-19. The letter recommends a 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals after exposure, but acknowledges that this may not be feasible in healthcare settings during critical staffing shortages. The AFL includes updated CDC guidance on returning to work during such shortages and outlines strategies to mitigate HCP staffing shortages. Fully vaccinated HCP with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following their exposure. The letter also provides guidance on quarantine following travel for HCP. Healthcare facilities must continue to ensure that all HCP wear surgical masks or respirators for source control within the facility and report temperature and absence of symptoms each day.

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