I'm writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have arisen since my last message.

The COVID-19 Decision Tree has been updated to allow employees (regardless of vaccination status) who have been identified as close contacts to remain at work as long as they do not have symptoms, with testing required on Day 3, 4, or 5 following their last exposure. Employees who are a close contact with a household member can also remain at work if they do not have symptoms, with testing immediately upon learning that they are a close contact, and on Day 3, 4, or 5 after the COVID-positive household member completes their isolation period. This change brings the requirements for K-12 students into closer alignment; however, unlike students, employees are required by the state to provide proof of testing and wear a mask indoors and around others for at least 10 days following their exposure.

The Spanish and electronic versions of the Decision Tree will be updated next week to reflect this change.

Cal/OSHA’s governing board has approved updates to the emergency temporary standards (ETS) and forwarded them to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for consideration. OAL has 10 days for review. If approved, the new ETS may go into effect May 2. While many of the changes are already in effect by virtue of executive orders issued by the governor, if approved, the new ETS will allow employers to accept “self-administered and self-read only if another means of independent verification of the results can be provided (e.g., a time-stamped photograph of the results).” The COVID-19 decision trees will be updated to reflect this change as soon as it goes into effect.

We encourage you to review and share this California Department of Public Health presentation on ventilation strategies that help prevent the spread of airborne viruses, including COVID-19. The presentation includes an overview on how ventilations systems work, strategies that can be implemented now, guidance on how to evaluate potential upgrades, and a list of funding opportunities. One funding opportunity -- the California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency program -- is accepting applications now through May 31.

Thank you for all that you do. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Paul

Dr. Paul Gothold

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net