COVID-19

Last content update: 9/6/24

Updated COVID vaccines are now available! The new vaccines have been updated to target the type of COVID spreading in the community. COVID vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others against COVID. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or find a pharmacy near you that offers COVID vaccine.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a respiratory disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is part of a family of coronaviruses that can cause respiratory infections and illness. 

Note: Individuals and entities must follow all laws that apply to them and are encouraged to follow all local, state, and federal public health guidance. However, when local, state, or federal public health guidance conflict, or when public health guidance is stricter than the law, individuals and entities are encouraged to follow the most protective guidance.

1. The information on this webpage is non-exhaustive. All providers and facilities should consult their respective state or federal regulatory agencies (e.g.,  CDPH, CDSS, and/or DHCS) for additional information, guidance or requirements that may be applicable.
2. In the workplace, employers are subject to Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations, or in some workplaces, the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard, and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.
3. Health care facilities that are subject to reporting or licensing requirements by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should visit the CMS webpage for additional information or requirements.

Post-Exposure, Quarantine, and Isolation Recommendations Table

Post-exposure, quarantine and isolation recommendations for different settings, providers and populations are organized in the table below: 

Facility Type	Staff	Patients or Residents
Acute Care Hospitals	CDPH AFL 21-08.9	CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Outpatient, Ambulatory, Dental and Optometry Healthcare Settings	May follow CDPH AFL 21-08.9	CDC Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
Health Care Delivery Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs), including Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings (refers to CDPH AFL 21-08.9)	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings
Long-Term Care Facilities that do not provide or offer healthcare services	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings
Supportive Housing, including Congregate Shelters	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter -COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings
Custody Health Settings	May follow CDPH AFL 21-08.9	CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Correctional and Custody facilities, including Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter - COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings	County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department - Letter -COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Congregate Care Settings
Schools and Childcare Settings	CDC Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick	CDC Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
Emergency Medical Services	May follow CDPH AFL 21-08.9	N/A

Testing for COVID-19

There are several viral tests available for detection for COVID-19. For more information on the types of testing available, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Testing webpage. Providers should follow all local, state and federal regulations related to testing, including but not limited to CDPH's COVID-19: Information for Laboratories. Providers may refer patients to our testing and vaccination webpage for additional resources.