This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an order revising COVID-19 definitions and procedures, impacting Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements. The update includes a new definition of the infectious period and aims to align with evolving public health guidelines and the reduced impact of COVID-19 due to vaccinations and available treatments.
Under the new guidelines, the infectious period is redefined for symptomatic confirmed cases as the day of symptom onset until 24 hours without a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with mild and improving symptoms. Asymptomatic confirmed cases have no infectious period for isolation or exclusion, unless symptoms develop.
While the CDPH still acknowledges the potential infectious period from 2 days before symptoms (or positive test date) through 10 days after symptom onset or positive testing, the revised order recommends using the shorter infectious period for isolation and work exclusion.
These revisions have implications for employers under the Cal/OSHA non-emergency COVID-19 standard. COVID-positive employees can now return to work sooner if their symptoms have subsided for 24 hours, although masking for 10 days is still required. The definition of the infectious period may differ when determining close contacts for contact tracing, but for Cal/OSHA compliance, the shorter infectious period is applicable.
These changes may also impact outbreaks in the workplace. With a shorter infectious period, the analysis of exposed groups will likely result in smaller groups and fewer outbreaks.
Overall, these updates are seen as positive news for employers, as they align with the evolving landscape of COVID-19 and place emphasis on protecting high-risk individuals while reducing social disruption. Employers should stay informed for any further guidance or updates from Cal/OSHA and CDPH.
For more information about the impact of these revisions on Cal/OSHA compliance, employers can reach out to the authors, their Seyfarth attorney, or any member of the Workplace Safety and Health (OSHA/MSHA) Team. The COVID-19 story continues to unfold, and it is crucial for employers to stay updated and adaptable in these challenging times.
