The CDC recently announced that the number of days you must quarantine if you were exposed to a case of COVID-19 should be shorter than it used to be. The change caused many employees to question how this announcement may affect their employment. This new guidance was reviewed and approved on December 17, 2021.
The first thing you should know is that the CDHP announced that employees in California must follow the guidelines established by Cal/OSHA COVID-19. This means that the CDC’s announcement should not change how long you must quarantine, but as of January 14, you should be aware of some changes. These are the changes to consider:
1. People who have completed the vaccination doses against COVID-19
The way you should act as an employee changes depending on your vaccination status. If you have all the corresponding doses of the vaccine, you were exposed to a case of COVID-19, and you have not had symptoms, you should report to work normally. However, while at work, you should always wear a mask and keep a distance of six feet between you and your colleagues. You will need to do this for 14 days after being in contact with someone who had COVID-19. Using face masks is a new requirement for people who have all their vaccines against the virus. These requirements also apply to those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have their vaccinations.
2. People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19
When you have been exposed to a case of COVID-19 and you are not vaccinated, the requirements differ a little. If you are not vaccinated and have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, you will need to stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you have no symptoms. If you reach day 10 of your quarantine and you have not had any symptoms, you will be able to return to work, but you will have to wear a mask for 14 more days. Finally, if you deliver a negative test 7 days after your contact, you can return to work.
Call us if you think your rights are not being respected at work. We are here to help you.
