Which COVID-19 protocols are health care workers following?
Ask the Record Searchlight is a newsroom-wide initiative to connect with you, our readers. If you wondered about something happening in town or had questions on a North State issue, tell us about it. We’ll do our best to answer. R-S reader questions are edited for clarity, length and accuracy.
Scroll to the bottom of this story to find out how you can ask the Record Searchlight.
COVID-19 protocols and health care workers
Q. Are there still state COVID-19 restrictions on health care businesses?
A. While some health care employees are still required to mask and vaccinate, the state relaxed some COVID-19 testing restrictions this autumn.
On Sept. 13, the California Department of Public Health issued an update to COVID-19 policy that “rescinds testing requirement” ― except when federally required ― for health care workers who are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination due to medical reasons or religious beliefs.
The reason for the change is the high percentage of health care workers who are vaccinated, the state said.
Health care businesses must still be able to test for COVID-19 and be ready to ramp up testing if there’s an outbreak or regulations change, the state said.
State public health also updated information regarding how often health care workers can get a COVID-19 booster; an attempt to align with the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
For details go to bit.ly/3gsC7md.
While the state lifted most COVID-19 mandates on businesses by last spring, vaccination or a mask is still required for staff at senior care facilities, health care and long-term care businesses, said Christopher Diamond, community education specialist for the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency.
Vaccines are required for health care workers except for employees who have a medical or religious exemption, he said.
All businesses must also follow Cal/OSHA requirements.
The state posts guidance about what businesses can do if there’s an outbreak at work, liabilities and how to reduce risk at bit.ly/3tYD8p6.
How ‘Ask the Record Searchlight’ works
This feature is brought to you as part of our newsroom-wide Ask the Record Searchlight initiative.
Post questions in the comments section of this story, or:
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and entertainment stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
