COVID-19

On March 19, 2020, the State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health issued an order requiring most Californians to stay at home to disrupt the spread of COVID-19 among the population. The impact of COVID-19 on the health of Californians is not yet fully known. Reported illness ranges from very mild (some people have no symptoms) to severe illness that may result in death.

Certain groups, including people aged 65 or older and those with serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher risk of hospitalization and serious complications.

Transmission is most likely when people are in close contact or in a poorly ventilated area with an infected person, even if that person does not have any symptoms or has not yet developed symptoms. Precise information about the number and rates of COVID-19 by industry or occupational groups, including among critical infrastructure workers, is not available at this time.

There have been multiple outbreaks in a range of workplaces, indicating that workers are at risk of acquiring or transmitting COVID-19 infection. Examples of these workplaces include hospitals, long-term care facilities, prisons, food production, warehouses, meat processing plants, and grocery stores. As stay-at-home orders are modified, it is essential that all possible steps be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Key prevention practices include:

✓ physical distancing to the maximum extent possible,

✓ use of face coverings by workers (where respiratory protection is not required) and customers/clients,

✓ frequent hand washing and regular cleaning and disinfection,

✓ training workers on these and other elements of the COVID-19 prevention plan.

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