California has used science to guide our health protection strategies throughout the pandemic. Data show that because of these strategies, lives have been saved.  

This is due in large part to the collective efforts of Californians to get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccination and boosters remain the most important strategy to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. ​

​In 2022, California announced the release of the state's SMARTER Plan, the next phase of California's COVID-19 response. While state and local leaders must continue to prepare for the future, California's path forward will be predicated on empowering individual, smarter actions, that will collectively yield positive outcomes for our neighborhoods, communities, and state. 

In alignment with CDC Recommendations for Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19, CDPH updated isolation recommendations on March 13, 2023. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should continue to isolate for 5 days, but may leave isolation after 5 days, if they are feeling well, symptoms are improving, and they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.  In addition, persons may also remove their mask after ending isolation sooner than 10 full days if they have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart.​​

Workplace Settings

Isolation and Quarantine

Isolation:

Separates those infected with a contagious disease from people who are not infected.

Quarantine:

Restricts the movement of susceptible persons who were exposed to a contagious disease in case they become infected.

Confirmed Case​, Potential Exposure and Close Contact:

​Confirmed Case: 

A person who has received a positive result of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus as confirmed by a COVID-19 viral test or clinical diagnosis.​

Potential exposure:

Someone sharing the same indoor airspace, e.g., home, clinic waiting room, airplane etc., for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) during a confirmed case's infectious period.

Close contact:

"Close Contact" means the following:

1. In indoor spaces of 400,000 or fewer cubic feet per floor (such as homes, clinic waiting rooms, airplanes, etc.), close contact is defined as sharing the same indoor airspace  for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) during a confirmed case's infectious period.
   

2. In large indoor spaces greater than 400,000 cubic feet per floor (such as open-floor-plan offices, warehouses, large retail stores, manufacturing, or food processing facilities), close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of the infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period during the confirmed case's infectious period.

Spaces that are separated by floor-to-ceiling walls (e.g., offices, suites, rooms, waiting areas, bathrooms, or break or eating areas that are separated by floor-to-ceiling walls) must be considered distinct indoor airspaces.

Infectious Period:

• ​F​or symptomatic confirmed cases, 2 days before the confirmed case had any symptoms (symptom onset date is Day 0) through Days 5-10 after symptoms first appeared AND 24 hours have passed with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and symptoms have improved, OR 
• For asymptomatic confirmed cases, 2 days before the positive specimen collection date (collection date is Day 0) through Day 5 after positive specimen collection date for their first positive COVID-19 test.​ 

​Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations for the General Public

All persons with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or previous infection, should:

• Wear a mask around others for a total of 10 days.
• ​Self-isolate and test as soon as possible to determine infection status. Knowing one is infected early after symptom onset 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. ​
• For symptomatic persons who have tested positive within the previous 90 days, using an antigen test is recommended because PCR tests can detect noninfectious viral fragments for up to 90 days. 
• ​If symptoms persist, 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 if symptoms continue. If any of those tests are positive:  
• Follow recommended actions below (Table 1). 
• ​​Contact a healthcare provider about available treatments, especially those at high risk for serious disease or with any questions concerning their care.  For more information about available treatments, please see COVID-19 Treatments (ca.gov)​.

​

Table 1: Persons Who Should Isolate                         

*After ending isolation (no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms are improving), confirmed cases may remove their mask sooner than Day 10 if they have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. If antigen test results are positive, the person may still be infectious and should continue wearing a mask and wait at least one day before taking another test.

Infected persons should notify close contacts to encourage them to get tested 3-5 days after exposure. Learn more on how to notify close contacts through the guidance on What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19​.

​

Table 2: Close Contacts – (No Quarantine)

In some workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.

All close contacts:

Should consider testing as soon as possible to determine infection status and follow all isolation recommendations above if testing positive. Knowing one is infected early 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 testing negative before Day 3, retest at least a day later at least once, during the 3–5 day window following exposure.

Close contacts who were previously infected in the last 30 days do not​​​ need to test unless symptoms develop. Close contacts who were previously infected in the last 31–90 days should test using an antigen test, even if asymptomatic and regardless of vaccination status, given the increased transmissibility and increased repeat infections with the circulating Omicron variant and the higher likelihood that they may be infected. 

Additional considerations and recommendations for those at higher risk:

High-Risk Exposures:

Certain exposures may be deemed higher risk for transmission, such as those with an intimate partner, in a household with longer periods of exposure, or while performing unmasked activities with increased exertion and/or voice projection or during prolonged close face-to-face contact (e.g., during contact sports like wrestling, during indoor group singing, during crowded events where cheering occurs like sporting events, concerts or rallies, particularly if indoors). In such cases, exposed persons should be extra vigilant in undertaking recommended mitigation measures.

High-Risk Contact:

A high-risk contact is someone who: 

• may experience severe illness if they become infected with COVID-19 (for example, due to being elderly, unvaccinated or immunocompromised); 
• may be more likely to transmit the virus to those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19; and/or
  
• has higher transmission potential (more likely to spread virus to others due to high intensity/duration of indoor exposure to others).

Contacts with more potential to transmit to others or to transmit to higher risk secondary contacts should take greater care in following recommendations to limit spreading the virus to others during the 10 days following their exposure and may consider quarantining or self-limiting their exposure to others. All high-risk close contacts should get tested at least once and are strongly recommended to follow the testing and mitigation measures outlined in this guidance.**

**Healthcare Settings:

Healthcare personnel should follow recommendations as set forth in  AFL 21-08.9.  Healthcare personnel working in settings not covered by AFL 21-08.9 may follow the guidance outlined in AFL 21-08.9.  Skilled nursing facilities should follow the guidance for management of exposed residents in the CDC Infection Control Recommendations.​

Diagnostic Testing

An antigen test (including over-the-counter tests), nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), or LAMP test are acceptable; however, antigen testing is recommended for infected persons to end isolation, and for exposed persons who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the prior 90 days.

Masking

All persons wearing masks should optimize mask fit and filtration, ideally through use of a respirator (N95, KN95, KF94) or surgical mask. See Get the Most out of Masking for more information.

Symptom Self-monitoring

Symptom self-monitoring should include checking temperature and watching for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms that can be attributed to COVID-19 for 10 days following date of last exposure.

Schools and Child Care Programs

For guidance on the management of infected and exposed people in K–12 school settings, see CDPH K–12 Schools Guidance and CDPH K–12 testing strategies (PDF)​. For childcare considerations, see Guidance for Child Care Providers and Programs.

Isolation at Home (Self-Isolation)

Self-Isolation

The majority of people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms do not require hospitalization, and can self-isolate at home by wearing a mask indoors and separating from household members. However, the ability to prevent transmission in a residential setting is an important consideration.

CDC has guidance for both patients and their caregivers to help protect themselves and others in their home and community.

Considerations for the suitability of care at home include whether:

• The person is stable enough to be home.
• If needed, appropriate and competent caregivers are available at home.

The infected person and their household members have access to appropriate, recommended personal protective equipment (PPE; at a minimu​​​m, mask and gloves) and can adhere to precautions recommended as part of home care or self-isolation (e.g., respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, han​d hygiene). ​

• Stay at home except to get medical care.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home. Do not have any visitors.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor settings, including at home if other people are present, or you are around those who are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, booster eligible but have not yet received their booster dose, or are at risk for severe disease.
• Avoid sharing rooms/spaces with others; if not possible, open windows to outdoor air (if safe to do so) to improve ventilation or use portable air cleaners and exhaust fans.
• Use a separate sleeping area. If a sleeping area is shared with someone who is sick, consider the following recommendations:
• Make sure the room has good air flow and follow CDPH Guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in Indoor Environments.
• Maintain at least 6 feet between beds if possible.
• ​Sleep head to toe, or with faces at least six feet apart.
• Avoid using the same bathroom as others; if that is not possible, clean and disinfect touched surfaces after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean or disinfect "high-touch" surfaces routinely (at least once daily).

What items are needed

• ​​Gloves for any caregivers when touching or in contact with the person's potentially infectious secretions.

• Appropriate cleaning supplies for cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and items.

• A thermometer for tracking occurrence and resolution of fever.

Access to necessary services

• Clinical care and clinical advice by telephone or telehealth.

• Plan for transportation for care if needed.

• Food, medications, laundry, and garbage removal.

When to Seek Care

Persons in self-isolation should seek medical assistance:

• If they are at risk for severe illness or disease, seek clinical consultation as soon as possible to determine any treatment options, including therapeutics.

• If their symptoms worsen significantly.

If the infected or exposed person is going to a medical office, emergency room, or urgent care center, the facility should be notified ahead of time that the person is infected with or has been exposed to COVID-19; the person should wear a mask for the clinical visit.

Any one of the following emergency warning signs signal a need to call 911 and get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing.

• Bluish or grayish lips, face, or nails.

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

• New confusion or inability to arouse.

• New numbness or tingling in the extremities.

• Other serious symptoms.

Quarantine at Home (Self-Quarantine)

Self-Quarantine

Although quarantine is no longer required, persons choosing to self-quarantine should separate from household members, especially those who are immunocompromised, have not completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine or are boosted, or who have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days.

The exposed person should avoid contact with persons at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, even if they have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine or are boosted.  Additionally, persons undertaking self-quarantine should:

• Stay home (PDF) for at least 5 days, after last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
• Test at least once within 3–5 days if remaining asymptomatic.
• Quarantine can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present and a diagnostic specimen collected on day 5 or later tests negative.
• If unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present, quarantine can end after day 10.
• Wear a well-fitting mask at home when other people are present, for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
• Get vaccinated and boosted.
• If testing positive, follow isolation recommendations in Table 1.
• If symptoms develop, test immediately and stay home.

Persons self-quarantining at home or in an alternate site should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days following last date of exposure, even if they complete self-quarantine earlier.

If they test positive, their isolation period starts with their symptom onset date (or positive test date if no symptoms) counted as Day 0 and the next full day of isolation being counted as Day 1. They should follow guidance above for self-isolation and recommendations for seeking clinical consultation.

Legal Authority for Isolation and Quarantine

California local public health officers have legal authority to order isolation and quarantine. LHJs may vary in their approach and should consult with legal counsel on jurisdiction-specific laws and orders. During this pandemic, some have issued blanket isolation and quarantine orders for anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 or identified as a close contact or a confirmed case. Some have issued orders to persons immediately, whereas others seek voluntary cooperation without a legal order initially.

Alternate Sites for Isolation and Quarantine

LHJs should work with other local partners across all sectors to assess alternate places for isolation and quarantine (PDF) for persons who are unhoused or who are unable to appropriately or safely self-isolate or self-quarantine at home. Alternate sites could include hotels, college dormitories, or other places, such as converted public spaces.

Additionally, LHJs are encouraged to partner with community organizations to leverage existing resources to provide supportive and culturally appropriate services to persons who are self-isolating and self-quarantining.

Discrimination and Stigma

California has a diverse population with no single racial or ethnic group constituting a majority of the population. These populations also include members of tribal nations, immigrants, and refugees. Some groups may be at higher risk for COVID-19 or worse health outcomes due to several reasons including living conditions, work circumstances, underlying health conditions, and limited access to care. It is important that communication with the public is conducted in a culturally appropriate manner, which includes meaningfully engaging with community representatives from affected communities, collaborating with community-serving organizations, respecting the cultural practices in the community, and taking into consideration the social, economic, and immigration contexts in which people in these communities live and work. LHJs should be mindful of discrimination based on all protected categories.

To help build trust, jurisdictions should employ public health staff who are fluent in the preferred language of the affected community. When that is not possible, interpreters and translations should be provided for persons who have limited English proficiency[1​​​]. Core demographic variables should be included in case investigation and contact tracing forms, including detailed race and ethnicity, as well as preferred language.

Finally, given that diverse populations experience discrimination and stigma, it is important to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of data collected and to ensure that COVID-19 cases and identified contacts are aware of these safeguards.

Every person in California, regardless of immigration status, is protected from discrimination and harassment in employment, housing, business establishments, and state-funded programs based upon their race, national origin, and ancestry, among other protected characteristics.

All instructions provided by LHJs to persons who are being asked to isolate should be provided in their primary language and be culturally appropriate. Additionally, LHJs should ensure that instructions for persons with disabilities, including those with access and functional needs, are provided.

[1] See the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act for more information on communication requirements with persons who need language translation assistance.

​​Originally Published on July 30, 2020