Living With COVID in 2023

With kids back in school and more workers returning to the office, employers are starting to see an increase in the number of employees calling in sick due to the flu or COVID.  

Although California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency is over, it’s evident that COVID-19 is not going away. So, now that we are living with COVID, as opposed to fearing it, what can employers do to prevent the spread of this and all diseases in the workplace?  

I found some great tools and tips for employers on the COVID19.CA.GOV website on everything from how our school systems are handling these health issues to financial resources. The website also has some detailed information on a variety of ways we can all stay safe including:

• Vaccinations
• Treatment
• Testing
• Workplace Safety
• Masks
• Travel

Question: Wondering what the current rules are if your employee tests positive for COVID?

Answer: Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms, must STAY HOME for at least 5 days after the start of symptoms or after the date of their first positive test. Isolation can end after Day 5 if symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving; and no fever for 24 hours. Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.

Different rules apply to workers in healthcare settings, but you can read about that and more tips on handling COVID in the Workplace in the workplace safety section.  

Check out our COVID-19 Employer Tool Kit

Are you a CEA Member? Log in on our website at cossetto.net to access our COVID-19 Employee Exposure Tool Kit for additional guidance. This Tool Kit covers your compliance obligations, as well as best practices for your organization. The toolkit includes:

• Required exclusion periods
• Required notification and reporting
• Employer testing obligations
• Obligation to investigate the “work-relatedness” of COVID-19 transmission

Not a Member? Join today for as low as $99/month!

Before winter rolls in, now may be a good time to do a bit of research and visit your policies to combat COVID-19 threats, the flu, and RSV risks in your workplace.