As workplaces incorporate updated state regulations and guidance on COVID-19 mitigation, there are shorter quarantine exclusion periods and an increased reliance on testing.
New CDPH guidance and Cal/OSHA’s FAQS for its ETS (Emergency Temporary Standards) provide direction for businesses on how to apply the new rules, Robert Moutrie, policy advocate with the California Chamber of Commerce, told the Northern California Record.
The newly adopted Cal/OSHA ETS, which went into effect on Jan. 14, originally had longer quarantine periods.
“So 14 days was the focus; generally speaking, you'll see the shift in this new CDPH guidance lowering the duration or focus from 14 days 10 days,” Moutrie said.
The CDPH guidance also puts more emphasis on testing.
“What employers should know is you're going to see more of an emphasis on shorter exclusion periods but more testing,” Moutrie said.
Given current difficulties in procuring tests. Moutrie noted it raises questions of how effectively can employers utilize these changes.
“That is something which is a concern for employers right now in terms of availability, and we're going to have to see how that shakes out,” Moutrie said.
The CDPH guidance was issued following the CDC’s shortening of the quarantine period in late December, and it’s hoped more tests will be available soon.
The Biden Administration announced Friday that a new website will be launching where people can order four tests that can be sent within one week to 12 days after the order is placed.
Meanwhile, additional updates could be added to the state procedures as the impact of the pandemic and the Omicron variant continue to evolve.
“So we do expect updates to the [Cal/OSHA] FAQs to clarify the application of these guidelines, but on the whole big picture, I do not expect these exclusion timelines to change, at least for the next couple months,” Moutrie said. “Specifically, the next change I would expect would be when Cal/OSHA looks at revising the ETS; they will vote on a new text in March, and that would go into effect in April, so we could have at least three months of application would be my estimate.”