Attention, California business owners! Get ready for some great news that will ease your COVID-19 burden (yes, COVID-19 is still relevant). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has recently changed the definition of a COVID-19 “outbreak,” and it’s in your favor. Let’s dive into the details of this game-changing update.
The CDPH and Cal/OSHA previously defined an “outbreak” as three or more cases within 14 days for an exposed group. Employers caught in an outbreak were subjected to additional obligations under the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 nonemergency regulation until the number of cases dropped to one or fewer in 14 days. However, things have taken a positive turn. The CDPH has redefined an outbreak as three or more cases occurring within seven days. What’s even better is that this change is automatically incorporated into the Cal/OSHA regulation, as confirmed by the agency’s updated FAQ.
What This Means For Employers In California
Now, let’s explore what these changes mean for employers. Brace yourself for lighter responsibilities, as meeting the “outbreak” status will now be more challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the impact:
- Testing availability: Employers will only need to provide immediate and weekly testing to employees within the exposed group.
- Close contact management: Close contacts must undergo a COVID-19 test within three to five days after contact to be excluded from work, following the appropriate return-to-work criteria.
- Face covering requirements: Employees within the exposed group should wear face coverings when indoors or outdoors and within six feet of another person.
- Respirator rights: Employees can request and receive a respirator for voluntary use.
- Enhances COVID-19 measures: Employers will undertake additional COVID-19 investigations, reviews, and hazard corrections.
- Improved ventilation: Employers are encouraged to enhance ventilation using a MERV-13 filter or an equally efficient alternative.
- Reporting obligations: Reporting to local public health departments becomes necessary, if applicable.
To ensure compliance, it’s crucial that you review your local public health department’s outbreak reporting requirements, if any, to align with the new CDPH definition of an outbreak. Additionally, don’t forget that if your business experiences 20 or more cases within 30 days, it will be considered a “major outbreak” with additional responsibilities under the Cal/OSHA non-emergency regulation.
GMS Is Here To Help California Business Owners
At GMS, we understand the challenges faced by California businesses during these trying times. That’s why we’re here to offer our unwavering support as a professional employer organization (PEO). We help small business owners understand the intricacies of the redefined COVID-19 outbreak definition, ensure compliance with the updated requirements, and alleviate the burden of managing employee-related obligations.
By relying on the knowledge and support of a PEO like GMS, businesses can focus on what they do best while leaving the complexities of regulatory compliance in capable hands. Take advantage of this positive shift in regulations, and let GMS be your trusted partner in safeguarding your California business. Contact us today to learn more.