- Shortness of breath no longer leads to a 5-day if it's the only symptom
- Added Flu, RSV, and Strep Throat positive test results
- No more exposure exclusions in any state!
- More relaxed wording around masking after exclusion
- Clarifying language around runny nose to help reduce exclusions for cold or weather
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call 988 or message the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
We regularly update our employee work exclusion chart based on the latest clinical data and client needs. We’ve made some minor updates to reflect the latest clinical data. For example, shortness of breath is not a common Omicron symptom on its own, so we downgraded it. We’ve added some other respiratory illnesses to the chart since we’re seeing more positive tests for non-COVID illnesses. And we’ve made a number of modifications aimed at getting people back to work as soon as it's safe for them to do so. Our goal is to help relieve stress on your businesses while still maintaining excellent employee health standards, and regularly updating our chart is part of how we make sure we’re changing with the pandemic landscape.
Around 20,000 people attended the massive religious gathering in Kentucky at the same time as a resident who was infected with measles last month, which means they may be exposed. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases – up to 90% of close contacts who aren’t immune will get it. It’s spread through the air and surfaces, and a revival with close quarters and lots of singing has superspreader potential. Most of us think of a rash when we think of measles, but the rash isn’t actually the first symptom. Initial symptoms are similar to flu or COVID, with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. 2-3 days after symptoms start, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth and after 3-5 days the telltale rash breaks out. The good news is that most employees will have been vaccinated against measles as part of their standard childhood vaccination schedule. If the employee attended the revival and is unvaccinated, the CDC is urging them to go get vaccinated (or get immunoglobulin) to help prevent infection. They should also be on the lookout for any of the symptoms and stay home if they feel sick or develop a rash.
Not exactly, though it’s likely timed to coincide with the end of flu season. Ending the emergency after we’ve gotten through the winter, when respiratory viruses spread more easily, is a smart move. That said, we’ve seen COVID spikes in the spring, summer, and fall over the past three years, so there’s nothing that prevents that from happening, just makes it slightly less likely.
Yes, there’s no limit to how many doses you can have. If you’re not sure if you have had the Hep A vaccine, you can get another dose to be confident that you’re protected. You could theoretically do antibody testing to see if you’re protected, but the process is complicated and usually not necessary. Most people who aren’t sure opt to get a new dose.
People aren’t getting the COVID booster. Employers can change that. - SF Chronicle | Opinion
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