About Us » Covid Safety Plan

Covid Safety Plan

COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP) & Safety Plan for
BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL
This CPP is designed to control exposures to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may occur in our school
community and workplace.
Updated: December 14, 2022
This plan supersedes all previous COVID-19 plans.
Nina Zamora, Principal
Richard Haring, School Site COVID Coordinator
21508 Centre Pointe Pkwy
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Phone: 661-253-4400
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 1 of 17Authority and Responsibility
The WSHUHSD Governing Board and Superintendent have overall authority and responsibility for
implementing the provisions of this CPP in our school community. In addition, all administrators and
supervisors are responsible for implementing and maintaining the CPP in their assigned work areas and
for ensuring employees receive answers to questions about the program in a language they understand.
All employees are responsible for using safe work practices, following all directives, policies and
procedures, and assisting in maintaining a safe work environment.
Identification and Evaluation of COVID-19 Hazards
We implement the following in our workplace:




Conduct workplace-specific evaluations and inspections by identifying the interaction, area, activity,
work task, process, equipment and material that potentially exposes employees to COVID-19
hazards; determining the places and times when the hazard was present or occurred; determining the
potential for COVID-19 exposures and employees affected, including members of the public and
employees of other employers; identifying existing and/or additional COVID-19 prevention controls,
including barriers, partitions and ventilation. Hazards shall be reported to the Chief Administrative
Officer’s designee(s).
The attestation of vaccination status of employees is completed through CrisisGo Safety
iPass, which is maintained as a confidential medical record.
Evaluate employees’ potential workplace exposures to all persons at, or who may enter, our
workplace using a daily Employee Health Screening.
Develop COVID-19 policies and procedures to respond effectively and immediately to individuals at
the workplace who are a COVID-19 case to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission in the
workplace.
• The designated School COVID-19 Compliance Officer will follow the School Exposure
Management Plan consistent with Los Angeles County DPH guidance.
• A designated School COVID-19 Compliance Officer is responsible for
establishing and enforcing all COVID-19 safety protocols and ensuring that
staff and students receive education about COVID-19. A designated
COVID-19 Compliance Officer serves as a liaison to DPH for sharing
site-level information to facilitate public health action.
• Report all known COVID-19 hospitalizations and/or deaths among students
or staff to DPH by sending a notification to ACDC-Education@
ph.lacounty.gov.
• Implement a symptom screening program for persons who have not been
tested yet for COVID-19 but screen positive for symptoms prior to school
entry or while at school.
• Apply DPH guidance on Decision Pathways for persons who (1) have
symptoms consistent with COVID-19, (2) are quarantined because of
exposures at school, or (3) are at a school with an active public health
investigation to have access to testing or be tested for COVID-19.
• Seating charts in classrooms and participant rosters for students and staff
participating in school extracurricular programs to facilitate identification of
close contacts of persons with COVID-19 at the school.
• After identifying one (1) confirmed COVID-19 case (student or employee),
the School Compliance Officer instructs the case to follow Home Isolation
Instructions for COVID-19 (ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation). NOTE: a
confirmed COVID-19 case is an individual who has a positive COVID-19
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 2 of 17•





test.
The School Compliance Officer provides a copy of the Public Health
Emergency Isolation Order and informs the case that DPH will contact the
case directly through the DPH Case and Contact Investigation Program to
collect additional information and issue the Health Officer Order for Case
Isolation.
The School Compliance Officer works to identify all individuals, or, during
when the surge protocol is active, all groups in the school with an exposure
to the confirmed positive case during their infectious period (Close
Contacts).
• A case is considered to be infectious from two (2) days before
their symptoms first appeared until the time, they are no longer
required to be isolated (i.e., no fever for at least 24 hours,
without the use of medicine that reduce fevers AND other
symptoms have improved AND at least 10 days have passed
since symptoms first appeared). A person with a positive
COVID-19 test but no symptoms is considered infectious from
two (2) days before their test was taken until 10 days after their
test.
• A “close contact” is defined as someone sharing the same
indoor airspace, e.g., home, clinic waiting room, airplane, etc.,
for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a
total of 15 minutes) during an infected person’s
(laboratory-confirmed or clinical diagnosis) infectious period. In
large indoor airspaces (indoor airspaces greater than 400,000
cubic feet per floor): those considered exposed may be limited to
1) those in a pre-defined or identifiable group (e.g., teammates,
club members, cohort, etc.) or 2) those within 6 feet of the
infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period
within that large indoor airspace.
• If able to be determined, schools may limit designation of close
contacts to individuals who were within 6 feet of the infected
person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period and may
apply this definition in all settings, including classrooms.
• Exposures will be reviewed by Public Health to assess which
persons need to quarantine including the possibility of
quarantining all individuals in the same cohort or classroom as
an infected person if exposures cannot be ruled out for the entire
group.
The School Compliance Officer must notify DPH of employees, children, and
visitors with confirmed COVID-19 who were on campus at any point within
the 14 days prior to the illness onset date (school-associated case).
The School Compliance Officer must notify DPH of persons on campus who
were exposed to the infected person during the infectious period. The illness
onset date is the first date of COVID-19 symptoms, or the COVID-19 test
date, whichever is earlier.
All case notifications should be submitted within 1 business day of being
notified of the case.
All persons identified to have had an exposure to a COVID-19 positive case
at school are notified by the School Compliance Officer of the exposure.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 3 of 17•


This can be done through the contact tracing process described in the
School Exposure Management Plan.
• Schools are required to have a plan to facilitate COVID-19 response testing
for persons who have an exposure at school. Staff and students who are
tested must inform the school of the test results. Testing resources include:
School Testing Programs, Employee Health Services or Occupational Health
Services, Student Health Center, Personal Healthcare Providers, LA City
and County Testing Sites: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing, and
Community-Based Testing Sites (local health centers and pharmacies).
Individuals who need assistance finding a medical provider can call the LA
County Information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.
• If resources allow, schools will maintain sufficient testing capacity to test
exposed students who are not fully vaccinated and staff who are not fully up
to date on their vaccination status at least once weekly, during the 10 days
after their last exposure date. Schools should extend testing to include
exposed students and staff who are fully vaccinated.
• The School Compliance Officer will determine whether additional notification
is needed to inform the wider school community about the school exposure
and precautions being taken to prevent spread of COVID-19.
• Employees with a campus exposure should follow guidance outlined in
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards
(ETS). However, if an employee’s quarantine period ends before they meet
Cal/OSHA’s criteria for return-to-work, they may return to the Worksite(s)
as soon as they have cleared quarantine per the Health Officer Quarantine
Order. A summary of requirements is provided in the Public Health guidance
document on Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace.

If the school identifies a cluster of 3 or more confirmed cases (students
and/or employees) within a 14-day period, the school will report the cluster
immediately to DPH.
Review applicable orders and general and industry-specific guidance from the State of California,
Cal/OSHA, and the local health department related to COVID-19 hazards and prevention.
Evaluate existing COVID-19 prevention controls in our workplace and the need for different
or additional controls.
Conduct periodic inspections to identify and evaluate unhealthy conditions, work practices, and
work procedures related to COVID-19 and to ensure compliance with our COVID-19 policies and
procedures.
• Engineering: Ventilation (amount of fresh air and filtration maximized), Additional room
air filtration;
• Administrative: Surface cleaning and disinfection (frequently enough and adequate
supplies), Hand washing facilities (adequate numbers and supplies), Disinfecting and
hand sanitizing solutions being used according to manufacturer instructions
• Personal Protective Equipment (Not shared, available and being worn): face coverings,
gloves, face shields/goggles.
Employee participation
Employees and their authorized employees’ representatives are encouraged to participate in the
identification and evaluation of COVID-19 hazards by: Reporting any COVID-19 hazards or concerns
to site administration or district workplace supervisors. All COVID-19 reported hazards are addressed
on a case by case basis and may include involvement from district staff to help address the hazard
and resolve the issue as determined by site or district administration.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 4 of 17Employee, Student, & Visitor screening
We screen our employees, students and visitors and respond to those with COVID-19 symptoms by:
Students, staff, and visitors are asked to verify they do not currently suffer from COVID-19 related
symptoms, including a concerning cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and fever or chills
and if they are currently under isolation or quarantine orders.
Signage is posted at each public entrance of the school informing visitors that they should not enter
the facility if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
Students, staff, and visitors who screen positive at entry should be reported to the COVID-19
Compliance Team (see Section A). The COVID-19 Compliance Team will determine whether the
individual should be excused from the facility according to DPH guidance on Symptom and
Exposure Screening Pathways at Educational Institutions. Students who screen positive are
provided a surgical mask, unless they are already wearing a mask of recommended quality and
accompanied to a preselected isolation space where they can remain while a determination is made
on exclusion and arrangements are made for their return home, where indicated.
Anyone who is screened for recent exposure and reports close contact with an infected person are
managed per guidance in Appendix T2: Exposure Management Plan for K-12 Schools.
Students and staff are regularly reminded to remain at home if they have a fever or other symptoms
of COVID-19 or are under a quarantine or isolation order.





Correction of COVID-19 Hazards
Unsafe or unhealthy work conditions, practices or procedures will be reported to site administration
or district workplace supervisors and and corrected in a timely manner based on the severity of the
hazards, as follows:





All school sites and work locations have been reviewed by the district and the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health to ensure healthy and safe environments through a risk assessment
conducted prior to reopening schools.
School administration is responsible for reporting any changes in physical conditions that would
negatively impact the health and safety of students and staff to their school custodial staff or district
office. Work orders submitted to correct hazards are documented.
The district’s maintenance work order system is used to identify and track completion of hazards
reported by school administration or staff.
The severity of the hazard will be assessed and correction time frames assigned accordingly in the
work order system or through collaboration with district staff.
Individuals are identified as responsible and follow up measures are taken for timely correction.
Control of COVID-19 Hazards
Face Coverings
Masking is strongly recommended for anyone entering school buildings or transports (school
buses as well as school buildings) who have contact with others (students, parents, or other
employees).
We provide clean, undamaged face coverings and ensure they are properly worn by employees
that are not fully vaccinated when they are indoors or in vehicles, and where required by orders
from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). At this time, all school employees, as
defined above, must wear surgical-grade masks (also referred to as medical procedure masks)
or higher-level PPE (e.g., KN95 or N95 respirator masks). For those wearing surgical masks,
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 5 of 17double masking, with a cloth face covering worn over the surgical mask, is recommended for
enhanced protection. Cloth face coverings alone are no longer recommended, as they do not
provide the same level of source control or personal protection as a proper surgical mask or
higher-level PPE.
All persons are strongly recommended to wear a face covering on a school campus or work
location unless exempted per CDPH guidelines. Should an employee encounter non-employees
not wearing a face covering it should be reported immediately to site administration or district
workplace supervisors as appropriate. Local county health jurisdictions may be more restrictive
than this guidance.
Employees required to wear face coverings in our workplace may remove them under the
following conditions:





When an employee is alone in a room or a vehicle.
While eating or drinking at the workplace, provided employees are at least six feet apart and outside
air supply to the area, if indoors, has been maximized to the extent feasible.
Employees are required to wear respirators in accordance with our respirator program that
meets section 5144 requirements.
Employees who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or
disability, or who are hearing-impaired or communicating with a hearing-impaired person. Such
employees will wear an effective, non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on
the bottom, if their condition permits it.
Specific tasks that cannot feasibly be performed with a face covering. This exception is limited to
the time in which such tasks are being performed.
We will not prevent any employee from wearing a face covering when it is not required unless it would
create a safety hazard, such as interfering with the safe operation of equipment.
Face coverings will also be provided to any employee, student, or visitor that requests one, regardless of
their vaccination status.
Engineering controls
For indoor locations, we identify and evaluate how to maximize, to the extent feasible, ventilation with
outdoor air using the highest filtration efficiency compatible with our existing ventilation system, and
whether the use of portable or mounted High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration units, or other
air cleaning systems, would reduce the risk of transmission by:


Maximizing air flow in occupied spaces, and upgrading filter systems, where feasible, to MERV 13
filters to prevent microbial transmission.
Providing air scrubbers in communal occupied spaces.
Cleaning and disinfecting
We implement the following cleaning and disinfection measures for frequently touched surfaces and
objects, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, equipment, tools, handrails, handles, controls, phones,
headsets, bathroom surfaces, and steering wheels:
• Routine cleaning schedules have been established to provide cleaning, frequent wiping of high touch
surfaces, and bathrooms.
• Providing adequate supplies, staffing, and time to clean/disinfect surfaces during daily custodial
routines.
• Informing employees and authorized employee representatives of the cleaning and disinfecting
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 6 of 17•


schedule, protocols, and supplies to be used for at their work locations.
Training cleaning staff on the safe and correct application of EPA “N” list approved disinfectant.
Providing additional cleaning/disinfecting supplies to staff to use on an as needed basis such as
cleaning/disinfecting wipes.
Extra cleaning and disinfecting will be done in areas where people with positive cases of COVID-19
have been present.
Should we have a COVID-19 case in our workplace, we will implement the following procedures:

Temporarily close the general area where the infected employee or student worked until cleaning is
completed.

If possible, open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the
area. Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before cleaning and disinfecting the area.

Conduct deep cleaning of the entire general area where the infected employee or student worked and
may have been, including breakrooms, restrooms and travel areas, with a cleaning agent approved for
use by the EPA against the coronavirus.

District custodial personnel cleaning the area should be equipped with the proper personal protective
equipment for COVID19 disinfection (disposable gown, gloves, eye protection, or mask, if required).
Hand sanitizing
To implement effective hand sanitizing procedures, we:
• Hand sanitizing stations have also been installed in areas where a sink does not exist.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizer after interacting
with people and after contacting shared surfaces or objects.
• Ethyl alcohol hand sanitizers are preferred.
• Hand sanitizer is located in every classroom, office, and common area.
• Signage is posted at all sinks and near hand sanitizing stations.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) used to control employees’ exposure to COVID-19
We evaluate the need for PPE (such as gloves, goggles, and face shields) as required by section
3380, and provide and ensure use of such PPE as needed.
Upon request, we provide respirators for voluntary use to all employees who are not fully vaccinated
and who are working indoors or in vehicles with more than one person. Employees who request a
respirator for voluntary use will be encouraged to use them in compliance with section 5144(c)(2)
and will be provided with a respirator of the correct size, and provided the information required by
Appendix D of section 5144.
We provide and ensure use of respirators in compliance with section 5144 when deemed necessary
by Cal/OSHA.
Employees will review the mini respiratory protection program (29 CFR 1910.504), respiratory
protection fact sheet and conduct a user self-check upon issuing respirator.
We also provide and ensure use of eye and respiratory protection when employees are exposed to
procedures that may aerosolized potentially infectious material such as saliva or respiratory tract
fluids.
Employee Screening Testing
Per Cal/OSHA ETS, testing that is required for employees must be provided by the employer free of
charge and during work hours; these tests may not be self-administered or self-read unless they are
observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 7 of 17Student Screening Testing
Certain groups of students may be required to participate in COVID-19 Screening testing per current Los
Angeles County Department of Public Health Guidelines.
Any FDA approved antigen or PCR test is acceptable, including at-home tests, whether testing is done
for individually exposed students, for exposure groups or for the school as a whole.
COVID-19 Response Testing
• Staff and students who are tested must inform the school of the test results.
• Testing resources include: District Testing Strategy, Employee Health Services or Occupational
Health Services, Student Health Center, Personal Healthcare Providers, LA City and County Testing
Sites: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing, and Community-Based Testing Sites.
Per Cal/OSHA ETS, testing that is required for employees must be provided by the employer free of
charge and during work hours; these tests may not be self-administered or self-read unless they are
observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor.
Critical Supply List
A Critical Supply List should be referenced for items that should be kept on hand at the site on a regular
basis. Inventory can be replenished by contacting the warehouse.
Testing of symptomatic employees
We make COVID-19 testing available at no cost to employees with COVID-19 symptoms who are not
fully vaccinated, during employees’ paid time.
Investigating and Responding to COVID-19 Cases
We have developed effective procedures to investigate COVID-19 cases that include seeking
information from our employees regarding COVID-19 cases, close contacts, test results, and onset of
symptoms as required in the Los Angeles County DPH COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan
Guidance in TK-12 Schools.
We also ensure the following is implemented:
• Employees that have had a close contact are offered COVID-19 testing at no cost during their
working hours.
• The information on benefits described in Training and Instruction, and Exclusion of COVID-19
Cases, below, will be provided to employees.
• Written notice within one (1) day of your knowledge of a COVID-19 case that people at the worksite
may have been exposed to COVID-19. This notice will be provided to all employees (and their
authorized representative), independent contractors and other employers at the worksite during the
high-risk exposure period.
System for Communicating
Our goal is to ensure that we have effective two-way communication with our employees, in a form
they can readily understand, and that it includes the following information:
• Each day before coming to school or work, employees evaluate their own symptoms and take
steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they are sick with COVID-19 or think they might
have COVID-19 symptoms, they are to self-isolate and inform their supervisor..
• Employees can report symptoms and hazards without fear of reprisal.
• Our procedures or policies for accommodating employees with medical or other conditions that
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 8 of 17•





put them at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
Employees are not required to be tested for COVID-19 but are provided with information on the
locations and any documentation needed to access a COVID-19 test.
Testing will be provided at no cost to the employee during work hours in response to CCR Title 8
section 3205.1, Multiple COVID-19 Infections and COVID-19 Outbreaks, as well as section
3205.2, Major COVID-19 Outbreaks.
Where testing is not required, employees can access COVID-19 testing from their healthcare
provider, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health testing or other options as they
become available.
Testing is also available to students and employees in the school site, health office or designated
area.
Information about COVID-19 hazards employees (including other employers and individuals in
contact with our workplace) may be exposed to, what is being done to control those hazards, and
our COVID-19 policies and procedures consistent with privacy requirements such as FERPA
and HIPAA.
All persons identified to have had an exposure to a COVID-19 positive case at school are notified
by the School Compliance Officer of the exposure through a letter or other communication
strategies.
○ The School Compliance Officer will determine whether additional notification is needed to
inform the wider school community about the school exposure and precautions being taken to
prevent spread of COVID-19.
Training and Instruction
WSHUHSD provides effective employee training and instruction that includes:







Our COVID-19 policies and procedures to protect employees from COVID-19 hazards, and
how to participate in the identification and evaluation of COVID-19 hazards.
Information regarding COVID-19-related benefits (including mandated sick and vaccination
leave) to which the employee may be entitled under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The fact that:
○ COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can be spread through the air.
○ COVID-19 may be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated object and then
touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
○ An infectious person may have no symptoms.
The fact that particles containing the virus can travel more than six feet, especially indoors, so
physical distancing, face coverings, increased ventilation indoors, and respiratory protection
decrease the spread of COVID-19 and are most effective when used in combination.
The right of employees that are not fully vaccinated to request a respirator for voluntary use, without
fear of retaliation, and our policies for providing the respirators. Employees voluntarily using
respirators will be trained according to section 5144(c)(2) requirements:
○ How to properly wear them.
○ How to perform a seal check according to the manufacturer’s instructions each time a
respirator is worn, and the fact that facial hair can interfere with a seal.
The importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using
hand sanitizer when employees do not have immediate access to a sink or hand washing facility,
and that hand sanitizer does not work if the hands are soiled.
Proper use of face coverings and the fact that face coverings are not respiratory protective
equipment. Since COVID-19 is an airborne disease, N95s and more protective respirators protect
the users from airborne disease, while face coverings primarily protect people around the user.
○ The conditions where face coverings must be worn at the workplace.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 9 of 17○







That face coverings are additionally recommended outdoors for people who are not fully
vaccinated if six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
○ Employees can request face coverings and can wear them at work regardless of vaccination
status and without fear of retaliation.
COVID-19 symptoms, and the importance of obtaining a COVID-19 test and not coming to work if
the employee has COVID-19 symptoms.
Information on our COVID-19 policies and how to access COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and
the fact that vaccination is effective at preventing COVID-19, protecting against both
transmission and serious illness or death.
Additional training through Keenan Safe School will consist of reviewing written documentation, online
video training and/or acknowledgement of receipt of the District’s COVID-19 Injury and Illness
Prevention Program addendum.
Our COVID-19 policies and procedures to protect employees from COVID-19 hazards.
Information regarding COVID-19-related benefits to which the employee may be entitled under
applicable federal, state, or local laws.
All training sessions offered to staff are documented to identify which employees were in attendance
with sign-in sheets or meeting attendance records. In cases where training occurred online such as
staff meetings, site administrators or district staff maintain records of attendance.
All training sessions offered to staff are documented to identify which employees were in attendance
with sign-in sheets or meeting attendance records. In cases where training occurred online such as
staff meetings, site administrators or district staff maintain records of attendance.
Exclusion of COVID-19 Cases and Employees who had a Close Contact
Where we have a COVID-19 case or close contact in our workplace, we limit transmission by:




Ensuring that COVID-19 cases are excluded from the workplace until our return-to-work criteria have
been met.
○ COVID-19 cases who returned to work per our return-to-work criteria and have remained free
of COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be excluded from the workplace for 90 days after the
initial onset of COVID-19 symptoms, provided they wear a face covering and maintain six feet
of distance from others in the workplace for 10 days following the last date of close contact.
○ COVID-19 cases who returned to work per our return-to-work criteria who never developed
COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be excluded from the workplace for 90 days after the first
positive test, provided they wear a face covering and maintain six feet of distance from others
in the workplace for 10 days following the last date of close contact.
Asymptomatic staff close contacts can remain at the worksite on the condition that they do not
have symptoms and meet testing and masking requirements. This guidance is outlined in
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Additional details are
provided in the section: “Action for close contacts who are not required to quarantine.
○ If we do not exclude an employee who had a close contact, we will provide the employee with
information about any applicable precautions recommended by LACDPH for individuals with
close contact.
○ For employees excluded from work, continuing, and maintaining employees’ earnings, wages,
seniority, and all other employees’ rights and benefits. This will be accomplished by the Human
Resources contacting the employee directly upon notification of exclusion.
Providing employees at the time of exclusion with information on available benefits.
Employees with a campus exposure should follow guidance outlined in Cal/OSHA COVID-19
Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards Isolation and Quarantine section. However, if an
employee’s quarantine period ends before they meet Cal/OSHA’s criteria for return-to-work, they
may return to the Worksite(s) as soon as they have cleared quarantine per the Health Officer
Quarantine Order. A summary of requirements is provided in the Public Health guidance document
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 10 of 17on Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace. Per Cal/OSHA ETS, testing that is required for
employees must be provided by the employer free of charge and during work hours; these tests may
not be self-administered or self-read unless they are observed by the employer or an authorized
telehealth proctor.
Exclusion of COVID-19 Cases and Students who had a Close Contact
Where we have a COVID-19 case or close contact at the school site, we limit transmission by:



Ensuring that COVID-19 cases are excluded from the school site until isolation requirements are met.
○ COVID-19 cases who returned to school per our return-to-school criteria and have remained
free of COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be excluded from the school for 90 days after the
initial onset of COVID-19 symptoms, provided they wear an upgraded face covering and
maintain six feet of distance from others in the workplace for 10 days following the last date of
close contact.
○ COVID-19 cases who returned to school per our return-to-school criteria who never
developed COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be excluded from the school for 90 days after
the first positive test, provided they wear an upgraded face covering and maintain six feet of
distance from others in the workplace for 10 days following the last date of close contact.
Asymptomatic close contacts can remain at school on the condition that they do not have
symptoms and meet testing and masking requirements. Close contacts must monitor for symptoms
as outlined in Quarantine and Other Instructions for Close Contacts.
○ Close contacts must continue to monitor their health and wear a highly protective mask when
around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure, both indoors and outdoors, except
when eating or drinking. The mask should be a well-fitting medical mask or respirator or a
well-fitting non-cloth* mask of multiple layers of non-woven material with a nose-wire. *Cloth
masks meeting ASTM standards for high filtration efficiency (ASTM F3502-level 2) are
permitted. See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for more information.. If symptoms develop, test using
an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test and stay home. If the test is positive, follow Home
Isolation Instructions for COVID-19 (ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
For students excluded from school due to self-quarantine or isolation, continuing, and maintaining
access to safe and full in-person instruction and to as much instructional time as possible is a
foundational principle to the WIlliam S. Hart Union High School District in response to the
pandemic. Students will be counted absent when placed on quarantine.
○ It will be up to each teacher to offer one of the following to students who will be absent for
multiple days:
1. Traditional make up work with the teacher gathering the assignments and the parent
picking the assignments up from school. Tests, etc. will be scheduled individually with the
teacher when the student returns.
2. Students who are absent can access all assignments through Google Classroom, APEX, or
CANVAS. Teachers may choose to record lectures and post on one of the available
platforms.
Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Access
It is our policy to:

Report information about COVID-19 cases and outbreaks (3+ epi-linked cases) at our
workplace to the local health department whenever required by law, and provide any related
information requested by the local health department.
○ Secure online reporting is the preferred method for notifying DPH of COVID-19
exposures and can be done on a computer or mobile device with access to the secure
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 11 of 17•



web application: https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US. If online reporting is
not possible, calling the TK-12 School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center or by
emailing [email protected]. All case notifications should be
submitted within 1 business day of being notified of the case.
Maintain records of the steps taken to implement our written COVID-19 Prevention
Program in accordance with section 3203(b).
Make our written COVID-19 Prevention Program available at the workplace to employees,
authorized employee representatives, and to representatives of Cal/OSHA immediately upon
request.
WSHUHSD utilizes an internal symptom tracking system to keep record of and track all COVID-19
cases. This information is made available to employees, authorized employee representatives, or as
otherwise required by law, with personal identifying information removed.
WSHUHSD provides our school community with updates on current positive cases and quarantine
data for both students and staff. This is posted to the district’s website when case information is
received. (COVID-19 Dashboard - COVID-19 Action Plan)
Return-to-Work or School Criteria



Positive COVID-19 cases can end isolation after Day* 5 ONLY if all of the following criteria are met:
1. A COVID-19 viral test** collected on Day 5 or later is negative, and
2. No fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine, and
3. Other symptoms are improving
—OR—
Isolation can end after Day 10 if both these criteria are met:
1. No fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine, and
2. Other symptoms are not present or are improving.
Regardless of when isolation ends, students with COVID-19 are strongly recommended to wear a
highly protective mask around others, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the positive
test.
Staff with COVID-19 are required to wear a highly protective mask in the workplace around others,
except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the positive test.
*For symptomatic students and staff, Day 0 is the first day of symptoms; Day 1 is the first full day after
symptoms develop. For asymptomatic students and staff, Day 0 is the day the first positive test was collected;
Day 1 is the first full day after the positive test was collected.
**The test must be an FDA authorized viral test (e.g., PCR or Antigen test, including at-home tests). An antigen
test is preferred for testing out of isolation. NOTE: For staff, per Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency
Temporary Standards (ETS), testing that is required for employees must be provided by the employer free of
charge and during work hours; these tests may not be self-administered or self-read unless they are observed
by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor. Additionally, staff may request masks and respirators from
their employer at no cost to staff.



A negative COVID-19 test will not be required for an employee to return to work once the
requirements above have been met.
Close Contacts must continue to monitor their health and are strongly recommended to wear a
highly protective mask around others, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the last
date of exposure.
Staff close contacts are required to wear a highly protective mask in the workplace around
others, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the last date of exposure. Staff may
request masks and respirators from their employer at no cost to staff. If symptoms develop, test
using an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test and stay home. If the test is positive, follow Home
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 12 of 17•
Isolation Instructions for COVID-19 (ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
If an order to isolate, quarantine, or exclude an employee or student is issued by a local or state
health official, the employee will not return to work until the period of isolation or quarantine is
completed or the order is lifted.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 13 of 17Multiple COVID-19 Infections and COVID-19 Outbreaks
This addendum will apply if three or more COVID-19 cases within an exposed group visit during
their high-risk exposure period at any time during a 14-day period and stay in effect until there
are no new COVID-19 cases detected in the exposed group for a 14-day period.
COVID-19 testing
We provide COVID-19 testing at no cost to all employees, during paid time, in our exposed
group except for:


Employees who were not present during the relevant 14-day period.
COVID-19 cases who did not develop symptoms after returning to work pursuant to our
return-to-work criteria, no testing is required for 90 days after the initial onset of symptoms
or, for COVID-19 cases who never developed symptoms, 90 days after the first positive
test.
COVID-19 will be provided at no cost to all students, in the exposed group except for:


Students who were not present during the relevant 14-day period.
COVID-19 cases who did not develop symptoms after returning to school pursuant to our
return-to-school criteria, no testing is required for 90 days after the initial onset of
symptoms or, for COVID-19 cases who never developed symptoms, 90 days after the first
positive test.
Special Note for athletics or other high-risk activities: These groups do not have to wait for three
cases to be identified to trigger response testing of the exposed group. Due to the nature of the activities,
students in the exposed group or team should be tested immediately if there are two or more cases that
appear within the group or team.
COVID-19 testing consists of the following:



All students or employees in the exposed group are tested 3-5 days after the last date of
exposure. Negative COVID-19 test results of students and employees with COVID-19
exposure will not impact the duration of any quarantine, isolation, or exclusion period
required by, or orders issued by, the local health department.
After testing, we continue to provide COVID-19 testing once a week of employees in the
exposed group who remain at the workplace, or more frequently if recommended by the
local health department, until there are no new COVID-19 cases detected in our
workplace for a 14-day period.
We provide additional testing when deemed necessary by Cal/OSHA.
We continue to comply with the applicable elements of our CPP, as well as the following:
1. Students and Employees in the exposed group wear face coverings when indoors, or
when outdoors and less than six feet apart (unless one of the face-covering exceptions
indicated in our CPP apply).
2. We give notice to employees in the exposed group of their right to request a respirator for
voluntary use if they are not fully vaccinated.
3. We evaluate whether to implement physical distancing of at least six feet between
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 14 of 17persons, or where six feet of physical distancing is not feasible, the need for use of
cleanable solid partitions of sufficient size to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
COVID-19 investigation, review, and hazard correction
We immediately perform a review of potentially relevant COVID-19 policies, procedures, and
controls and implement changes as needed to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
The investigation and review is documented and includes:



Investigation of new or unabated COVID-19 hazards including:
○ Our leave policies and practices and whether employees are discouraged from
remaining home when sick.
○ Our COVID-19 testing policies.
○ Insufficient outdoor air.
○ Insufficient air filtration.
○ Lack of physical distancing.
Updating the review:
○ Every thirty days that the outbreak continues.
○ In response to new information or to new or previously unrecognized COVID-19
hazards.
○ When otherwise necessary.
Implementing changes to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 based on the
investigation and review. We consider:
○ Moving indoor tasks outdoors or having them performed remotely.
○ Increasing outdoor air supply when work is done indoors.
○ Improving air filtration.
○ Increasing physical distancing as much as feasible.
○ Requiring respiratory protection in compliance with section 5144.
Buildings or structures with mechanical ventilation
We will filter recirculated air with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 or higher
efficiency filters, if compatible with the ventilation system. If MERV-13 or higher filters are not
compatible, we will use filters with the highest compatible filtering efficiency. We will also
evaluate whether portable or mounted High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration units or
other air cleaning systems would reduce the risk of transmission and, if so, implement their use
to the degree feasible.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 15 of 17Major COVID-19 Outbreaks
This addendum will apply should 20 or more employee COVID-19 cases in an exposed group visit
your workplace during the high-risk exposure period within a 30-day period and will stay in effect until
there are fewer than three COVID-19 cases detected in our exposed group for a 14-day period.
We continue to comply with the Multiple COVID-19 Infections and COVID-19 Outbreaks addendum,
except that the COVID-19 testing, regardless of vaccination status, is made available to all employees
in the exposed group twice a week, or more frequently if recommended by the local health department.
In addition to complying with our CPP and Multiple COVID-19 Infections and COVID-19 Outbreaks
addendum, we also:





Provide employees in the exposed group with respirators for voluntary use in compliance with
section 5144(c)(2) and determine the need for a respiratory protection program or changes to an
existing respiratory protection program under section 5144 to address COVID-19 hazards.
Separate by six feet (except where we can demonstrate that six feet of separation is not feasible
and there is momentary exposure while persons are in movement) any employees in the exposed
group who are not wearing respirators required by us and used in compliance with section 5144.
When it is not feasible to maintain a distance of at least six feet, individuals are as far apart as
feasible.
○ Physical distancing includes: telework or other remote work arrangements; reducing the
number of persons in an area at one time, including visitors; and visual cues such as
signs and floor markings to indicate where employees and others should be located or
their direction and path of travel.
Install cleanable solid partitions that effectively reduce transmission between the employee and
other persons at workstations where an employee in the exposed group is assigned to work for an
extended period, such as cash registers, desks, and production line stations, and where the
physical distancing requirement (described above) is not always maintained.
Evaluate whether to halt some or all operations at the workplace until COVID-19 hazards have
been corrected.
Implement any other control measures deemed necessary by Cal/OSHA.
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 16 of 17APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Reopening Protocols for K-12 Schools: Appendix T1

Facilities Occupancy
Protocol for Organized Youth Sports: Appendix S

APPENDIX B: Exposure Management
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan Guidance in TK-12 Schools

COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan Guidance Youth Recreational Sports Programs

Screening and Exposure Decision Pathways for Symptomatic Persons and Contacts of

Potentially Infected Persons at Educational Institutions
Home Isolation Instructions

Summary Instructions for Close Contacts

Employees with COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19: Return to Work (Non-Healthcare)

APPENDIX C: Respirator Information

Mini Respiratory Protection Program

Respiratory Protection

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2018-130, User Seal Check
APPENDIX D: Critical Supply List
APPENDIX E: Signage

Mask Entry Signage (By Location)

Masks indoor Entry Guidelines

Entry Screening Signage (By Location)

Handwashing

Outdoor Masking
COVID-19 Prevention Program & Safety Plan for BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL (12/14/2022)
Page 17 of 17COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Appendix T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Note: This document is frequently updated. Please check the date on the webpage for the most recent version.
Recent Updates (Changes highlighted in yellow)
12/13/2022
• Clarified that general masking guidance for TK-12 Schools remains aligned with
guidance in most other public and work settings and is based on current COVID-19
community and hospital metrics, with resulting mitigation strategies in accordance with
the LA County COVID-19 Response Plan. See Mask Wearing Rules and
Recommendations for LA County for the most up-to-date masking guidance. Special
considerations for School Sports and Performing Arts includes additional content unique
to this appendix in the appropriate section below.
• At this time, it is strongly recommended that all individuals wear well-fitting masks with
good filtration when they are in indoor public settings, including K-12 schools. Schools
and school districts are free to implement more restrictive masking policies than the
current LA County guidance in order to provide a higher level of safety to all.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) is adopting a staged approach,
supported by science and public health expertise, for schools serving students from transitional
kindergarten through grade12. In addition to the conditions imposed on schools by the State Public
Health Officer and the California Department of Education, schools must also comply with any
requirements contained in this protocol
Please note: This document may be updated as new information and resources become available.
Go to LAC | DPH | TK-12 Education Toolkit for updates to this document.
This document starts with a discussion of current provisions for on-campus education in Los Angeles
County (LAC), followed by information about safety strategies specific to the school environment.
This TK-12 protocol provides safety measures in five areas:
(1 ) Required workplace policies and practices to protect employee and student health
(2 ) Measures that allow for improved ventilation and reduced crowding
(3 ) Measures to optimize infection control
(4 ) Communication with employees, students and families of students and the public
(5 ) Measures to ensure equitable access to critical services
Required policies and actions are grouped together in the first section, while the additional four
sections contain numerous strategies that your school may choose to implement as your facility
develops a plan to promote safety for all employees, students, and visitors. Although some preventive
and protective measures are required in all schools, most measures are optional and voluntary.
Nevertheless, it is appropriate for schools to implement multiple layers of COVID-19 mitigation
strategies to reduce risk and limit cases and transmission on the school campus. There are additional
measures described in Appendix T2: Exposure Management Plan for K-12 Schools that are also
required and are applicable to all on-site personnel. Further resources for TK-12 Schools can be
found in the TK-12 School COVID-19 Toolkit.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 1 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
General Reopening Guidance for All Schools
At this time, all schools are permitted to be open for all students in any grades TK–12.
Note: for childcare programs located in schools. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and schools that
offer day care services for children on school campuses should refer to DPH Guidance for ECE
Providers.
COVID-19 VACCINATION IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Achieving a high vaccination rate on your school campus is the first and best way to lower risk of
infection and transmission at your school, greatly decrease risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and
death in those who are fully vaccinated, and provide an additional layer of protection for those who
cannot be fully vaccinated, are immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions. For this
reason, in addition to all requirements and recommendations written in this protocol, schools are
urged to adopt strategies that normalize, promote, and facilitate COVID-19 vaccination and booster
doses for all eligible staff and students on your campus. Please see LACDPH Vaccine Clinic Toolkit
for Schools, a step-by-step guide with best practices for hosting a school-based vaccine clinic. The
State announced on October 1, 2021, their plan to require that students be vaccinated against
COVID-19 for in person learning starting with the term following full FDA approval of the vaccine for
their grade span (7-12 and K-6); however, this requirement was postponed for the 2022-2023 school
year and the earliest it may go into effect is July 2023. The FDA has granted full approval to the
Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine for persons ages 12-15, thus the State could proceed with the COVID-19
vaccine requirement for students in grades 7-12 beginning in July 2023.
TK to Grade 12 COVID-19 Prevention Checklist
Institution
name:Bowman High School
Address:21508 Centre Pointe Pkwy Santa Clarita, CA 91350
NOTE: The terms “employees” and “staff” are used in these protocols to refer to individuals who work
in a school facility in any capacity associated with teaching, coaching, student support, provision of
therapies or personal assistance to individual students, facility cleaning, or maintenance, administration,
or any other activity required for the school to function. “Employees” or “staff” may include individuals
who are: paid directly by the relevant school system, paid by entities acting as contractors to the school,
paid by outside entities acting in collaboration with the school to serve students, paid by third parties to
provide individual student services, or unpaid volunteers acting under school direction to carry out
essential functions. The term “parents” is used in these protocols to refer to any persons serving as
caregivers or guardians to students.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 2 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
REQUIRED WORKPLACE POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO PROTECT STAFF (“EMPLOYEES”)
AND STUDENTS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
A. The school must have a COVID-19 Containment, Response and Control Plan that describes
the school’s comprehensive approach to preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19 on
campus. The Plan includes, but is not limited to the following elements:
❑ A designated COVID-19 Compliance Team that is responsible for establishing and enforcing all
COVID-19 safety protocols and ensuring that staff and students receive education about COVID-
19. One member of this team is designated as a liaison to DPH in the event of an outbreak on
campus.
❑ Protocol outlining steps that will be taken immediately upon notification of school officials that any
member of the school community (faculty, staff, student, or visitor) tests positive for COVID-19.
• Immediate separation of the case from the school community to self-isolation at home if
notification occurs while the case is on-site. The plan must allow for temporary, on-site
isolation of the case if arrangements are needed for the person’s return to their home.
• Fact sheets or other informational materials that are to be given to the case (or appropriate
family member/s if the case is a child) covering regulations governing self-isolation and links
to sites with further information.
❑ Protocol to initiate Appendix T2: Exposure Management Plan for TK-12 Schools consistent with
DPH guidance that outlines procedures for:
• Isolation of case(s)
• Identification of persons exposed to cases at school
• Actions for exposed staff and students to mitigate additional viral transmission
• Assurance of access to testing for all exposed students and staff within the school regardless
of vaccination status.
❑ Adherence with New Case Reporting Guidance Effective August 1, 2022. Schools are required
to report clusters of 3 or more cases of COVID-19 in a classroom, office, or pre-defined or identifiable
group (i.e., teammates, club members, cohort, etc.) who were on campus at any point within the 14
days prior to illness onset date. The illness onset date is the date COVID-19 symptoms started or
the COVID-19 test date, whichever is earlier. All cluster notifications should be reported to DPH
immediately, and no later than 1 business day of the school being notified of the cases by submitting
a report online at: https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US or calling the TK-12 School COVID-
19 Case Reporting Call Center. For any questions or assistance with reporting clusters, contact DPH
by calling the TK-12 School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center or emailing acdc-
[email protected]. The Department of Public Health will work with the school to determine
whether the cluster is an outbreak that will require a public health outbreak response.
❑ Contingency plans for full or partial closure of in-person school operations if that should become
necessary based on an outbreak in the school or community. The school has developed and
circulated a communication plan in case full or partial closure is required due to a possible cluster
of COVID-19 cases.
❑ A protocol for providing COVID-19 response testing. At a minimum the protocol should describe the
strategy for ensuring access to testing for students or employees who are symptomatic or students
and staff who have known or suspected exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2
regardless of vaccination status. Note that current Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency
Temporary Standards (Cal/OSHA ETS) requires employers to offer testing at no cost to employees
during paid time for:
• Symptomatic employees, regardless of whether there is a known exposure.
• All employees after an exposure with the exception of staff close contacts who were
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 3 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the last 90 days.
Testing must be provided for all employees exposed during an outbreak regardless of
vaccination status
❑ Signage is posted at each public entrance of the school informing visitors that they should not enter
the facility if they have symptoms of COVID-19.

B. Obligations for Employers and Employees at Schools
❑ Employees with an exposure or suspected exposure to a person who has COVID-19 must follow
post-exposure guidance as detailed in Appendix T2: Exposure Management Plan for K-12 Schools.
❑ Employers are required, per the Cal/OSHA ETS to exclude employees from the workplace who
have COVID-19 symptoms. Cal/OSHA does not prescribe any particular method of employee
screening but implementing some method as recommended will assist in compliance with this
requirement.
❑ Employers are required to offer for voluntary use well-fitting medical masks and respirators, such
as an N95, KN95 or KF94, at no cost to their employees who work indoors and have contact with
other workers, students and members of the public, or who are in vehicles with more than one
person. Note that Cal/OSHA also requires employers to provide respirators upon request for
voluntary use to any employee, regardless of vaccination status, who is working indoors or in
vehicles with more than one person along with instructions on how to ensure the mask fits
appropriately.
❑ Employers must ensure that no person is prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of
participation in an activity or entry into the school site unless wearing a mask would pose a safety
hazard.
❑ Employees engaged in activities such as provision of physical therapy or personal assistance to
individual students must be equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves,
masks, gowns, etc.)
C. Implementation of Masking Requirements
All schools are required to adhere to health officer orders requiring masking in LA County and to
have plans in place to communicate such requirements to the workforce, visitors, parents, and
students. General masking requirements for the school population remain aligned with those in most
other public and work settings, and are determined based on current COVID-19 community and
hospital metrics, with resulting mitigation strategies in accordance with the Los Angeles County
COVID-19 Response Plan. See COVID-19 Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations for the most
up-to-date Los Angeles County guidance.
❑ Mask Exemption Policy: At times when the Health Officer Order requires universal masking in
indoor public settings including schools, alternative protective strategies may be adopted to
accommodate students who are on Individualized Education or 504 Plans and cannot tolerate
masks or in situations where use of masks is challenging due to pedagogical reasons, student
safety, or an existing disability. Individuals may be exempt from wearing a mask for the following
reasons:
• Persons younger than two years old.
• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired,
where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability or whose medical
provider has determined that it is unsafe for them to wear a mask, may file for an exemption
with their school. A certification from a state licensed health care provider attesting that the
student has a condition or disability that precludes them from wearing a mask safely will be
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 4 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
accepted as proof of exemption. The following licensed health care professionals may
provide such attestations: Medical providers including physician (MD or DO), nurse
practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA) practicing under the authority of a licensed
physician; and licensed mental and behavioral health practitioners including Clinical Social
Worker (LCSW), clinical psychologist (Psy.D.) Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
At times when the Health Officer Orders may require universal indoor masking or may require
masking for certain individuals, students who are exempt from wearing a mask should wear a face
shield with a drape at the bottom, as long as their condition allows it. Schools should enter into an
interactive process with individuals who would be required to wear a mask but have a valid
exemption and may choose to implement alternative protective strategies when accommodating
such students in school. Alternative strategies for consideration include regular (e.g., weekly)
screening testing of unmasked students; strategies to improve ventilation in indoor spaces that
accommodate unmasked students; seating unmasked students closer to open windows, exhaust
fans, HVAC intake vents, and free-standing air purifiers; and offering students and staff who share
indoor air spaces with unmasked students upgraded respirator masks (e.g. N95, KN95, KF94).
• Mask exemption for close contacts: Regardless of universal indoor masking policy, the LA
County Blanket Quarantine Order currently requires close contacts to a case who remain
asymptomatic to wear a highly protective mask for 10 days after last exposure when around
others while indoors, and to test at least once 3-5 days after exposure if they wish to avoid
quarantine at home. Students who are identified as close contacts with a valid mask
exemption who wish to remain in school after an exposure must remain asymptomatic,
monitor for symptoms for 10 days after last exposure, and test negative for COVID-19 at
least once 3-5 days after exposure and once 6-9 days after exposure. Students who
are not able to meet these requirements and cannot wear a mask after exposure will
need to remain at home for ten days after last exposure. Furthermore, students, staff,
and administrators at schools must cooperate with instructions from LA County DPH outbreak
investigators who may implement temporary strategies that differ from these protocols if an
outbreak occurs at the school. For example, students who are unable to mask may be
instructed to stay home during an active outbreak for the safety of those students and the
campus population as a whole.
• For employees who are unable to wear a mask, refer to Cal/OSHA ETS for return-to-work
requirements after an exposure event.
D. Communication of Protocol
❑ Copies of this Protocol have been distributed to all employees.
❑ A copy of this protocol is posted at the school office and uploaded to a public facing page on the
school or district website.
MEASURES TO ALLOW FOR IMPROVED VENTILATION AND REDUCED CROWDING BY STAFF,
STUDENTS AND VISITORS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
❑ Implementing measures to promote optimal ventilation in the school is strongly recommended.
These may include (check all that apply)
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 5 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
•Movement of classroom learning, meals, and activities to outdoor space is maximized
whenever feasible and weather permitting.
•The school HVAC system is in good, working order. Prior to school reopening, consider having
the HVAC system evaluated by an appropriate engineer familiar with the Guidance for
Reopening Schools as developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
HVAC systems are set to maximize indoor/outdoor air exchange unless outdoor conditions
(recent fire, very high outside temperature, high pollen count, etc.) make this inappropriate.






Portable, high-efficiency air cleaners have been installed if feasible.
Doors and windows are kept open during the school day if feasible and if outdoor conditions
make this appropriate. Existing fire codes requiring closure of fire-rated doors must be
respected.
Air filters have been upgraded to a higher efficiency (MERV-13 or higher rating is preferred).
Due to large room capacity and high-risk activities occurring on the court, improved ventilation
in gymnasiums is a critical strategy to lower risk of viral transmission and outbreaks occurring
as a result of high-risk competitive play. Strategic use of fans to improve air exchange at floor
level may have significant impact at mitigating this risk. See Best Practices for Gymnasium
Ventilation for further guidance.
Other:
Fans added to weight room facilities to improve ventilation.

More information on improving air quality in schools including a CDC interactive tool and CDPH
guidance is available at the LACDPH TK-12 Schools COVID-19 Toolkit.
❑ Consider implementing measures to improve ventilation and promote physical distancing of
students on school busses. These measures may include (check all that apply):
• Seating one child per bus seat.
• Use of alternating rows.
• Open windows as air quality and rider safety concerns allow.
❑ Consider implementing measures to reduce crowding as students, parents or visitors enter and
move through the school building. These may include (check all that apply):
• School employees are deployed in hallways to promote physical distancing and reduce loitering
and crowding as students enter and proceed to classrooms.
❑ Consider implementing measures that allow for physical distancing within classrooms when
possible, without interfering with essential operations. These may include the following measures
(check all that apply):
• Classroom furniture is set up to maximize distance between students and between students
and teachers. As a best practice, avoid using “pod” seating arrangements in classrooms. Where
distancing is not feasible consider other safety measures including improved ventilation.
• Nap or rest areas in classrooms have students placed an increased distance apart and
alternating feet to head.
• Other:
❑ Consider offering physical education classes outdoors as much as possible
❑ Consider implementing school policies that promote physical distancing in locker rooms. Policies
may include:
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 6 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER


Staggering locker room access. Consider limiting the total time students and student athletes
spend in locker rooms, for example, suggest student athletes shower at home after practice
and games.
Creating alternative options for storage of student clothing, books, and other items.
❑ Consider implementing measures to increase physical distancing during school meals when
students will be indoors and unmasked. These may include (check all that apply):
• If students line up to pick up food, tape or other markings are used to promote distance between
students.
• If meals take place in a cafeteria, mealtimes are staggered to reduce the number of groups in
the cafeteria at any one time.
• If meals take place in a cafeteria, space between all tables/chairs has been increased to
maintain distance between students while eating.
MEASURES TO OPTIMIZE INFECTION CONTROL (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY TO THE FACILITY)
❑ Employee screenings are recommended to be conducted before employees may enter the
workspace, as well as for students and visitors. Entry screening should include a check-in
concerning cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and fever or chills and if the employee
is currently under isolation or quarantine orders. These screenings can be done in-person upon
arrival at the site or remotely before arrival using a digital app or other approach.
• Students, staff, and visitors who screen positive at entry or who report symptoms at any point
during the school day should be reported to the COVID-19 Compliance Team. The COVID-19
Compliance Team will determine whether the individual should be excused from the facility
according to DPH guidance on Symptom and Exposure Screening Pathways at Educational
Institutions. Students who screen positive are provided a surgical mask, unless they are already
wearing a mask of recommended quality and accompanied to a pre-selected isolation space
where they can remain while a determination is made on exclusion and arrangements are made
for their return home, where indicated.
❑ Pre-entry screening of adults and of middle and high school age students should include a question
about close contact with anyone at home, school or elsewhere in the past 10 days who has tested
positive for COVID-19. Anyone who is screened for recent exposure and reports close contact with
an infected person should be managed per guidance in Appendix T2: Exposure Management Plan
for TK-12 Schools.
❑ Schools may consider a strategy for periodic testing for asymptomatic individuals with no known
exposure. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is not requiring any particular
frequency or procedure for asymptomatic testing at this time. However, during times of high
community transmission and increased hospitalizations, such as when LA County is in the CDC-
designated High community level, regular testing of all students and staff regardless of vaccination
status* is likely to yield a large number of positive cases that would otherwise remain unidentified
and allow more significant transmission in the school setting to occur. The Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health has resources available for schools to assist with testing capacity.
Inquiries regarding testing resources may be sent to [email protected].
• *Screening testing is not recommended for persons who have recovered from laboratory
confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days and are asymptomatic.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 7 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
❑ In order to confirm the current mask guidance that applies to everyone entering indoor portions of
school buildings or transports (e.g., school buses) and who has contact with others (students,
parents, or other employees), schools may refer to Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations
for LA County which summarizes the latest local guidance around masking as determined by the
LA County COVID-19 Response Plan. At this time it is strongly recommended that all individuals
wear well-fitting masks with good filtration when they are in indoor public settings, including K-12
schools. It is particularly important, and strongly recommended for individuals who are risk for
severe disease to wear a highly protective mask in the following settings:
•Closed spaces with poor air flow
•Crowded places with many people nearby, and

Close contact settings especially where people are talking (or breathing heavily) close
together.
Schools and school districts are free to implement more restrictive masking policies than the
current LA County guidance in order to provide a higher level of safety to all.
❑ Schools are encouraged to maintain signage at the entry to the school, at the entry to the school
office and throughout the school building noting that face masks are strongly recommended for
use indoors by all, that face masks are effective at preventing transmission of COVID-19 and
other respiratory illnesses, and the proper use of face masks for those who choose to wear them.
• Parents of younger children who prefer their child continues to wear a mask are encouraged to
provide a second face mask for school each day in case the one a child is wearing gets soiled;
this would allow for a change of the face mask during the day.
❑ In alignment with CDC Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools, masking is recommended for all
persons in the school nurse’s office or health office, unless the school nurse or other staff is
working alone in the space. Nothing in this protocol requires that the school provide masks to its
general student population who choose to wear them. However, maintaining a supply of masks
for students who may develop symptoms during the school day is recommended for consistent
safety of the campus.
• For the most updated LACDPH guidance and information on masking, refer to COVID-19
Masks.
• Pedagogical considerations: During periods when the Health Officer Order requires universal
indoor masking, or for employees who prefer to wear a mask voluntarily when masking is not
required, teachers or other staff who are concerned about potential barriers to phonological
instruction should consider substituting masks equipped with clear areas that make the lips and
mouth visible. They also may consider substituting a face shield with a drape at the bottom in
place of a face covering, during these specific activities.
❑ It is recommended to have measures in place to promote appropriate cleaning of space, surfaces,
and objects throughout the school. These may include (check all that apply).
• Buses are thoroughly cleaned daily and disinfected after transporting any individual who is
exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Drivers are equipped with disinfectant wipes and disposable
gloves to support disinfection of surfaces as needed during a run.
• Cleaning products that are effective against COVID-19 (these are listed on the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)-approved list “N) are used according to product instructions. When
EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for
example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 8 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together – this causes toxic fumes that may
be very dangerous to breathe.
• Custodial and other staff responsible for cleaning and disinfecting school surfaces and objects
are trained on manufacturer’s directions, Cal/OSHA requirements for safe use and as required
by the Healthy Schools Act, as applicable.
• Custodial staff and other staff responsible for cleaning and disinfecting are equipped with
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, respiratory
protection and other appropriate protective equipment as required by the product.
• All cleaning products are kept out of children’s reach and stored in a space with restricted
access.
• Ventilation is maximized during cleaning and disinfecting to the extent feasible. If using air
conditioning, use the setting that brings in fresh air. Replace and check air filters and filtration
systems to ensure optimal air quality.
• Restrooms, lobbies, break rooms and lounges, and other common areas are cleaned at the
frequency listed below. Routine cleaning is recommended at a frequency no less than once per
day during periods of operation but may be done more frequently.
o Restrooms: Daily
o Lobbies/entry areas: Daily
o Teacher/staff break rooms: Daily
o Classrooms: Daily
o Cafeteria dining area: Daily
o Cafeteria food preparation area: Daily
o Front office: Daily
o Other offices: Daily
o Other areas: Daily
❑ Implementing measures to promote frequent hand washing by staff, students, and visitors is
recommended. These may include (check all that apply):
• Students and staff are given frequent opportunities to wash their hands for 20 seconds with
soap, rubbing thoroughly after application, and use no touch hand driers or paper towels (or
single-use cloth towels) to dry hands thoroughly.
• Younger students are regularly scheduled for frequent handwashing breaks, including before
and after eating, after toileting, after outdoor play, and before and after any group activity.


Ethyl alcohol-based (contains at least 60% ethanol) hand sanitizer is made available to students
and staff at strategic locations throughout the school where there is no sink or portable
handwashing station (in or near classrooms, rooms in which support services are provided,
music and art rooms). Ethyl alcohol-based hand sanitizer is preferred and should be used in
school environments. Hand sanitizers with isopropyl alcohol as the main active ingredient are
not used in the school, as it is more irritating and can be absorbed through the skin.
Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Hand sanitizer is not
out in the open and should be used with adult supervision for children under age 9. Faculty and
staff have been made aware of the risk of ingestion and that they should call Poison Control at
1-800-222-1222 if there is reason to believe that a student has consumed hand sanitizer.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 9 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER

Hand sanitizer, soap and water, tissues and trash cans are available at or near the entrance of
the facility, at reception, and anywhere else inside the workplace or immediately outside where
people have direct interactions.
❑ It is recommended that hand sanitizer effective against COVID-19 be made available to all
employees in or near the following locations (check all that apply):
• Building entrance/s, exit/s
• Central office
• Stairway entrances
• Elevator entry (if applicable)
• Classrooms
• Faculty breakroom
• Faculty offices:
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SCHOOL SPORTS AND PERFORMING ARTS
❑ General Considerations: Physical exertion and other activities with increased or more forceful
breathing, such as contact sports, singing, playing wind instruments, dancing, or enunciating during
theatrical rehearsal and performances, will increase the risk of viral transmission, especially
indoors. For up to date masking guidance refer to Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations for
LA County as determined by the LA County COVID-19 Response Plan. The COVID-19 Response
Plan indicates that if the early alert metric for number of classroom outbreaks enters the high level
of concern, masking will be strongly recommended for these higher risk activities. Since the COVID-
19 Response Plan already indicates a strong recommendation for indoor masking for all individuals
regardless of activity, this strong recommendation applies to all participants in school sports and
performing arts as well. Schools, performing art classes and clubs, and youth sports clubs and
leagues are free to consider taking a more cautious approach and implement stricter masking or
testing policies around these higher risk activities.
❑ School sports
• Any organized youth sports including school sports teams and clubs should review Appendix
S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports and must comply with any requirements therein to
reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. A few specific recommendations follow but are not a
substitute for Appendix S.
• Even outdoor sports may include higher risk interactions that happen indoors, including travel
on team buses, weight training, sharing locker rooms, or watching game films, among others.
Sports programs should consider if additional safety measures are appropriate, such as
masking in these settings, requiring vaccination, routine periodic testing, limiting number of
participants using weight rooms and locker rooms at the same time, and moving activities
outdoors whenever possible.
• If youth sports activities are taking place indoors, make sure your building’s Heating,
Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is in good, working order. Ventilation in
gymnasiums can be improved with strategic placement of floor fans. See Best Practices for
Gymnasium Ventilation for diagrams.
❑ Music classes

Schools may consider if current COVID-19 community metrics (such as high community
transmission) call for implementation of additional safety measures when wind instruments are
being played or singing is occurring in a group setting, especially indoors. Some suggestions
include:
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 10 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
o Individuals playing wind instruments may wear a modified face covering that allows for
direct contact with the instrument mouthpiece whenever they are playing the instrument.
During periods that the students are not actively practicing or performing, they may
choose to switch to full face coverings.
o Instrument bell covers are recommended to be used during playing of wind instruments.
o Consider allowing for some physical distancing (3 feet minimum recommended) any
individual playing a wind instrument and all other participants.
o Consider performing routine screening testing at least weekly of all individuals
participating in the indoor group practice or performance especially if masking, bell
covers, and distancing are not being implemented.
Move these activities outdoors whenever possible which will greatly reduce risks related
to poor ventilation and crowding indoors. Additional preventive measures described
above such as modified masks, bell covers, and distancing can also be implemented
outdoors based on level of caution desired.
•For music activities that includes singing in a group setting, consider allowing for increased
distance between individuals, and engaging in these activities outside whenever practicable.
Routine testing of all members of the group at least weekly is another consideration if singers
are vocalizing without masks and without recommended physical distancing while indoors.
•Use disposable absorbent pads or other receptacles, where possible, to catch the contents of
spit valves or water keys, discard or clean properly after use.
❑ Theater classes
•Consider allowing for increased physical distance between participants when they are
enunciating and masks are not being used (for example, those in a theater workshop).
•Consider routine testing at least weekly for all participants if masks are not used and physical
distance is not maintained while practicing or rehearsing indoors.
•Consider holding virtual or outdoor rehearsals and performances instead of indoor whenever
practicable.
❑ Dance classes
•During movements that generate a greater volume of respiratory droplets due to heavy
exertion, consider increasing the distance between individuals and/or moving those activities
to outdoor space.
•Consider routine screening testing at least weekly for all participants if masks are not used and
physical distance is not maintained during indoor activity.
❑ Music Recording
•Consider increasing distance between singers and all others in the sound booth or recording
booth, especially if the vocalists are not wearing masks, due to the large amounts of respiratory
droplets released into a relatively small, confined indoor space.
•If wind instruments are being played inside a sound booth with others present, refer to section
above on music classes for suggestions on how to improve safety and mitigate risk.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 11 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
•Other group instrumental music besides wind instruments may be recorded using a soun d
booth; however, consider maintaining a minimum of 3 feet of physical distance between all
musicians, where practicable, especially if masks are not being used.
•Routine testing at least weekly is strongly recommended for all members of a group that shares
a recording booth if masks are not worn by all and physical distancing is not maintained.
•Before the booth is used by another musician or group of musicians, the booth should be well
ventilated (consider use of an air purifying device) to promote full air exchange and shared
equipment (e.g., microphones) should be sanitized.
❑ Performances

For all performances in TK-12 school-sponsored productions, consider implementing additional
safety measures, especially if masks will not be worn during indoor performances. Consider
routine testing at least weekly for all performers and stage crew with close contact to performers,
beginning no more than 72 hours before the first gathering of the production ensemble and
continuing until the end of the performance schedule.
MEASURES THAT COMMUNICATE TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC
❑ Information should be sent to parents and students prior to the start of school concerning school
policies related to (check all that apply):
• Isolation and quarantine policies as they apply to students who have symptoms or may have
been exposed to COVID-19
• Options for COVID-19 testing if the student or a family member has symptoms or has been
exposed to COVID-19
• Who to contact at the school if student has symptoms or may have been exposed:
Attendance Office







How to conduct a symptom check before student leaves home
The effectiveness of face masks at decreasing risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other
respiratory infections, and the right of all individuals to wear a mask without threat of
interference or discrimination.
Importance of student compliance with any physical distancing and infection control policies in
place
Changes in academic and extracurricular programming in order to avert risk
School policies concerning parent visits to school and advisability of contacting the school
remotely
Importance of providing the school with up-to-date emergency contact information including
multiple parent contact options
Other:
Attendance monitoring and recordkeeping; community relations, bilingual translation
MEASURES THAT ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CRITICAL SERVICES
❑ A plan for updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans of students with special
needs has been developed to ensure that education can continue without undue risk to the student.
• This plan includes a method for proactive school contact with parents at the beginning of the
school year to assure that issues related to the child’s education and safety are being
addressed.
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 12 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
•Modifications to individual IEPs and 504 plans may involve remote learning, modifications to
the classroom to accommodate student needs, school attendance in a separate area with few
students, or a hybrid approach combining in-class and remote learning.
•Steps taken to modify IEPs and 504 plans to assure student safety comply with relevant
provisions of state and federal law.
❑ Administrative services or operations that can be offered remotely (e.g., class registration, form
submission, etc.) have been moved on-line.
Any additional measures not included above should be listed on separate pages,
which the business should attach to this document.
You may contact the following person with any
questions or comments about this protocol:
Business Contact
Name:
Phone Number:
Date Last Revised:
Richard Haring
661-253-4400
12/14/2022
APPENDIX T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/13/2022
Page 13 of 13COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan Guidance in TK-12 Schools:
Appendix T2
Note: This document is frequently updated. Please check the date on the webpage for the most recent version.
Recent Updates: (Changes highlighted in yellow)
12/12/2022

Updated recommendations on when close contacts who had a recent COVID-19 infection
(i.e., within the past 90 days) and are asymptomatic should test after an exposure.
10/21/2022

Clarified close contact definitions to incorporate CDPH’s specifications for large indoor
airspaces. In indoor airspaces greater than 400,000 cubic feet per floor, close contacts are
individuals (staff and students) within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more
over a 24-hour period. In indoor airspaces that are 400,000 cubic feet or less per floor,
student close contacts are: 1) those who shared the same indoor airspace as the infected
person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (preferred definition) or 2) those who
were within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. For
staff, identification of close contacts must use the shared airspace definition in indoor
airspaces that are 400,000 cubic feet or less (per floor) as per Cal/OSHA guidelines.
A targeted public health response to contain COVID-19 exposures at a community-level can help
maximize the impact of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID-19 response.
Primary and Secondary Schools serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12 (TK-
12 Schools) are trusted community partners that can help DPH improve the timeliness and impact of the
Public Health response through rapid initiation of a COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan (EMP).
Immediate implementation of an EMP when a single case of COVID-19 is identified at a school can
accelerate the ability to contain the spread of infection and prevent outbreaks from occurring.
The steps for managing exposures to COVID-19 cases at TK-12 Schools are described below and
summarized in Appendix A. Because TK-12 Schools will vary in the level of resources available for
COVID-19 exposure management, required steps are the minimum elements that must be included in
the EMP. Recommended steps include optional elements for exposure management where school
resources are sufficient. The requirements and recommendations presented are specific to TK-12
instructional and non-instructional facilities serving TK-12 Schools. For the purposes of this plan, the
word “School” applies to both TK-12 instructional and non-instructional facilities. Additional resources for
TK-12 Schools can be located in the TK-12 School COVID-19 Toolkit.
Exposure Management Planning Prior to Identifying 1 COVID-19 Case at School
 Required: A designated School COVID-19 Compliance Officer that is responsible for establishing and
enforcing all COVID-19 prevention and exposure management protocols and ensuring that staff and
students receive education about COVID-19. A designated COVID-19 Compliance Officer who serves
as a liaison to DPH for sharing site-level information to facilitate public health action.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 1 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
 Required: A plan for all students, employees, and visitors who (1) have symptoms consistent with
COVID-19, (2) were exposed at school, or (3) are at a school with an active public health investigation
to have access to testing or be tested for COVID-19.
 Required: A plan to report all known COVID-19 hospitalizations and/or deaths among students or staff
to DPH by sending a notification to ACDC-Education@ ph.lacounty.gov.
 Recommended: Seating charts in classrooms and participant rosters for students and staff
participating in school extracurricular programs to facilitate identification of close contacts of persons
with COVID-19 at the school.
 Recommended: If a school elects to implement a routine school testing program, programs should
use an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test, including a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT, such
as PCR) or an Antigen test, that is collected and performed in a healthcare setting or certified testing
site. An FDA-authorized Over-the-Counter test (or at-home test) is also acceptable for use in COVID-
19 school testing programs. Note: Unverified Over-the-Counter test results cannot be used to fulfill
required testing for school employees under the California State Health Officer Order.
 Recommended: Schools are advised to apply DPH guidance on Decision Pathways for persons who
have not been tested yet for COVID-19 but screen positive for symptoms prior to school entry or while
at school.
Exposure Management for COVID-19 Cases at School
 Required: After identifying 1 confirmed COVID-19 case on campus, the School Compliance Officer
instructs the case to follow Home Isolation Instructions for COVID-19 (ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
NOTE: a confirmed COVID-19 case is an individual who has a positive COVID-19 test. Refer to
sample isolation instruction notification (posted on ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for a
model that can be adapted.
• Students and staff with COVID-19 can end isolation after Day 5* ONLY if all of the following
criteria are met: 1. A COVID-19 viral test** collected on Day 5 or later is negative, and 2. No fever
for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine, and 3. Other symptoms are
improving --or-- Isolation can end after Day 10 if no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of
fever-reducing medicine.
*For symptomatic students and staff, Day 0 is the first day of symptoms; Day 1 is the first full day
after symptoms develop. For asymptomatic students and staff, Day 0 is the day the first positive
test was collected; Day 1 is the first full day after the positive test was collected.
**The test must be an FDA-authorized viral test (e.g., PCR or Antigen test, including at-home
tests). An antigen test is preferred for testing out of isolation.
• If a student meets the criteria to leave isolation after Day 5, it is strongly recommended that
they wear a highly protective mask around others, except when eating or drinking for 10 days
after onset of symptoms or, if asymptomatic, after the first positive test. Staff with COVID-19 are
required to wear a highly protective mask in the workplace around others, except when eating or
drinking, for 10 days after the positive test.
• NOTE: For staff, per Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS),
employers are required to fulfill the following: inform all employees about how they can obtain
testing, offer testing at no cost and during paid time, and provide testing in a manner that ensures
employee confidentiality. To comply with the testing requirements of the ETS, an over-the-counter
(OTC) COVID-19 test may be both self-administered and self-read if verification of the results,
such as a time and date stamped photograph of the result or an OTC test that uses digital
reporting with time and date stamped results, is provided. Additionally, staff may request masks
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 2 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
and respirators from their employer at no cost to staff. See Wear a Mask and Know your Rights
for more information.
 Required: The Compliance Officer works to identify all persons in the school with an exposure to the
confirmed positive case during their infectious period (Close Contacts).
•A case is considered to be infectious from 2 days before their symptoms first appeared until
their isolation ends, as described in the Home Isolation Instructions for COVID-19
(ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation). A person with a positive COVID-19 test but no symptoms is
considered infectious from 2 days before their test was taken until their isolation ends.
•Close Contact: Persons are considered to have been exposed to a case (close contact) during
the case’s infectious period if:
In indoor airspaces that are 400,000 cubic feet or less per floor: They shared the same
indoor airspace at school with the infected person (case) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes
or more over a 24-hour period during an infected person’s infectious period. This is the
preferred definition to best mitigate additional transmission in school and is strongly
recommended for identifying student close contacts in classrooms and similar sized indoor
spaces. This shared indoor airspace definition must be used for identification of staff close
contacts per Cal/OSHA(COVID-19 Prevention ETS).
­ Alternatively, schools may limit designation of student close contacts to students who
were within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period
and may apply this definition in all settings, including classrooms.
In indoor airspaces that are greater than 400,000 cubic feet per floor: They were within
6 feet of the infected person (case) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-
hour period during the infected person’s infectious period. This applies to both student and
staff close contacts. NOTE: Spaces that are separated by floor-to-ceiling walls (e.g., offices,
suites, break/eating areas separated by floor-to-ceiling walls) are considered distinct indoor
airspaces.
NOTE: Persons with an outdoor exposure at school are not considered close contacts.
 Required: The School Compliance Officer must notify Public Health of all clusters of 3 or more cases
of COVID-19 in a classroom, office, or other pre-defined or identifiable group (i.e., cohort, team/club,
etc.) who were on campus at any point within the 14 days prior to illness onset date (school-associated
cases). Cases include employees, children/students, and visitors with confirmed COVID-19.
 Required: All school-associated COVID-19 clusters should be reported online through the secure web
application,
the
Shared
Portal
for
Outbreak
Tracking
(SPOT):
https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US. For reporting multiple cases, schools can submit their
reports using the “Bulk Upload Template” located within the SPOT Portal. All clusters with information
for the cases should be reported to Public Health immediately, and no later than 1 business day of
being notified of the third, or last, case in the cluster.

Schools that need assistance on COVID-19 case reporting or other exposure management
processes can call the TK-12 School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center, Monday through
Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. School administrators that do not have the Call Center number
should contact [email protected] for the number.
 Required: All close contacts to a COVID-19 positive case at school are notified by the School
Compliance Officer of the exposure and provided with actions to take.

Notification can be done using an individual notification or group notification method where
individuals are notified of their exposure and actions to take. Refer to the sample exposure
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 3 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
notification letter (posted on ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for the appropriate
templates that can be adapted for this notification.

If applying the within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period
definition for identifying student close contacts in indoor spaces that are 400,000 cubic feet or
less (e.g. classrooms or similar size settings), all other students who shared in the same indoor
airspace with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period must be notified
of a potential exposure and provided with recommended actions to take.
Actions for close contacts

Asymptomatic close contacts are not required to quarantine; they may remain on campus if
they follow all requirements for close contacts. Specifically: (1) monitor for symptoms; (2) wear
a highly protective mask around others indoors, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days
after the last date of exposure; (3) test with an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test (e.g., PCR
or Antigen test, including at-home tests) within 3-5 days since the last date of exposure.*
*NOTE: Asymptomatic student and staff close contacts who were previously infected with
SARS-CoV-2 within the last 90 days are exempt from the post-exposure testing
requirement but must mask around others indoors for 10 days after the last date of
exposure. Asymptomatic close contacts who recovered from recent COVID-19 infection are
recommended to test 3-5 days after an exposure if their previous infection was more than
30 days ago (i.e., date of first positive test was 31-90 days ago). An antigen test, which
includes at-home tests, should be used. If their previous infection was within the past 30
days (i.e., first positive test was 1-30 days ago), testing is not recommended. Refer to
Instructions for Close Contacts for COVID-19 for details.
­ If applying the within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
period definition to identify student close contacts in indoor spaces that are 400,000 cubic
feet or less (e.g., classrooms and similar size settings), all other students who shared in the
same indoor airspace with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period
are also advised to: (1) monitor for symptoms; (2) wear a highly protective mask around
others indoors, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the last date of exposure;
and (3) test with an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test (e.g., PCR or Antigen test,
including at-home tests) within 3-5 days since the last date of exposure.
­ If symptoms develop, test using an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test and stay home. If
the test is positive, follow Home Isolation Instructions for COVID-19
(ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
­ For students who have a mask exemption* and have been exposed, students should wear
a face shield with drape at the bottom if their condition allows. For students who cannot
tolerate a mask or a face shield with drape at the bottom, they may remain on campus if 1)
they remain asymptomatic, 2) monitor for symptoms for the 10 days after last exposure,
and 3) test for COVID-19 twice during the 10 days after last exposure, once during days 3-
5 and once during days 6-9. Students who cannot mask after exposure and cannot meet
these requirements must remain at home until after Day 10 after last exposure.
*Individuals may be exempt from wearing a mask for the following reasons (refer to
Appendix T-1: COVID-19 Protocol for TK-12 Schools for additional information):
 Persons younger than two years old.
 Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing
impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 4 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER

Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability or whose
medical provider has determined that it is unsafe for them to wear a mask, may file
for an exemption with their school. A certification from a state licensed health care
provider attesting that the student has a condition or disability that precludes them
from wearing a mask safely will be accepted as proof of exemption. The following
licensed health care professionals may provide such attestations: Medical providers
including physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA)
practicing under the authority of a licensed physician; and licensed mental and
behavioral health practitioners including Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), clinical
psychologist (Psy.D.), Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Marriage and
Family Therapist (LMFT).
­ Staff who are close contacts exposed at work must follow the guidance outlined in
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards. Please refer to Table
2 in Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked Questions
for guidance after an exposure, including for staff who are unable to mask.
­ Staff may request masks and respirators from their employer at no cost to staff. See Wear
a Mask and Know your Rights for more information.
­ For staff, per Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS),
employers are required to fulfill the following testing requirements: inform all employees on
how they can obtain testing, offer testing at no cost and during paid time, and provide testing
in a manner that ensures employee confidentiality; to comply with the testing requirements
of the ETS, an over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 test may be both self-administered and
self-read if verification of the results, such as a time and date stamped photograph of the
result or an OTC test that uses digital reporting with time and date stamped results, is
provided. Additionally, staff may request masks and respirators from their employer at no
cost to staff. See Wear a Mask and Know your Rights for more information.
 Required: Schools are required to have a plan to facilitate COVID-19 response testing for persons
who have an exposure at school. Staff and students who are tested must inform the school of the test
results. Testing resources include: School Testing Programs, Employee Health Services or
Occupational Health Services, Student Health Center, Personal Healthcare Providers, LA City and
County Testing Sites: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing, and Community-Based Testing Sites (local health
centers and pharmacies). Individuals who need assistance finding a medical provider can call the LA
County Information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.
 Required: The School Compliance Officer will work with Public Health to determine whether the cases
within the reported cluster are epidemiologically linked, meaning that the affected individuals were
present at some point in the same setting during the same time period while either or both were
infectious.* Determination of epidemiological links between cases may require further investigation
to assess exposure history and identify all possible locations and persons that may have been
exposed to the case while infectious at the site.
*A case is considered to be infectious from 2 days before symptoms first appeared until isolation
ends. A person with a positive COVID-19 test but no symptoms is considered to be infectious from 2
days before their test was taken until isolation ends.

Epidemiologically linked cases include persons with identifiable connections to each other such
as sharing a physical space (e.g., in a classroom, school event, sports team, other
extracurricular activities, school transportation, office site), indicating a higher likelihood of
linked spread of disease in that setting rather than sporadic transmission from the broader
community. If epidemiological links exist, DPH will advise the school on important steps to take
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 5 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
and communications to students and employees on precautions to take to prevent further
spread at the school, including implementation of site- specific interventions for infection
control. Schools should contact DPH for assistance in determining whether cases are
epidemiologically linked by emailing [email protected] or by calling the TK-
12 School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center.

Public Health will determine if the outbreak criteria have been met: at least 3 confirmed cases
of COVID-19 within a 14-day period of each other in a specified group* with members who are
epidemiologically linked, do not share a household, and are not a close contact of each other
outside of the campus.
o If outbreak criteria are not met, DPH will advise the school to continue with routine
exposure management.
o If outbreak criteria are met and DPH recommends an outbreak response, DPH will
notify the school that an outbreak investigation has been activated and a public health
investigator will communicate directly with the school to coordinate the response.
*Specified group include persons that share a common membership at school (e.g., classroom,
school event, sport teams, other school extracurricular activities, school transportation, office
site). Epidemiological links require the infected persons to have been present at some point in
the same setting during the same time period while infectious.

NOTE: For overnight camps, a “household cohort” means cabinmates (campers and staff) who
are staying together in a cabin, bunkhouse, or similar space. Confirmed cases that are part of
the same household cohort are not counted separately toward meeting outbreak criteria.
Additional guidance regarding overnight camps is located in the Reopening Protocol for
Overnight Organized/Children’s Camps: Appendix K-1.
 Recommended: The School Compliance Officer will determine whether additional notification is
needed to inform the wider school community about the school exposure and precautions being
taken to prevent spread of COVID-19. Refer to sample general notification letter (posted on
ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for a model that can be adapted.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 6 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
APPENDIX A: Steps for Managing Exposures to COVID-19 Cases at School
1) Required: School notifies case to follow isolation instructions.
1 Case
2) Required: School identifies school close contacts. Schools can call the TK-12 School
COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center for assistance with identification of close contacts
and exposure management.
3) Required: School notifies school close contacts of exposure.
1) Required: School notifies cases to follow isolation instructions.
2) Required: School identifies and notifies school close contacts of exposures.
2
Cases
3) Recommended: If the 2 cases occurred within 14 days of each other, school consults with
DPH to determine whether the cases have epidemiological (epi) links. If epi links exist,
school implements additional infection control measures. Schools can call the TK-12
School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center or email
[email protected] for assistance in determining whether cases have
epidemiological links.
1) Required: School notifies cases to follow isolation instructions.
2) Required: School identifies and notifies school contacts of exposures.
3+
Cases
3) Required: If a cluster of 3 or more cases in a classroom, office, or in a pre-defined
group (i.e., cohort, team, or club, etc.) who were on campus at any point within the
14 days prior to illness onset date, the school immediately notifies DPH by calling
the TK-12 School COVID-19 Case Reporting Call Center and reporting online at:
https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US.
4) Required: DPH determines if the outbreak criteria have been met. If a DPH outbreak
investigation is activated, a public health investigator will contact the school to coordinate
the outbreak investigation.
5) Recommended: School sends general notification to inform the school community of the
cluster(s) and precautions taken to prevent spread.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan in TK-12 Schools
Revised 12/12/2022
Page 7 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Appendix S: COVID-19 Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Note: This document is frequently updated. Please check the date on the webpage for the most recent version .
Recent updates: (Any changes are highlighted in yellow)
11/8/22
• Revised to align with the updated LACDPH Health Office Order regarding indoor masking.
For most individuals, masking may be based on individual preference. Exceptions are
individuals who have returned before completing 10 days of isolation after a confirmed
COVID-19 diagnosis and individuals who are within 10 days of close contact with a
confirmed case of COVID-19. Those persons continue to be required to mask around others.
Also, individuals who are more vulnerable to developing severe COVID-19 disease are
strongly recommended to wear a highly protective mask in crowded, indoor settings with
poor ventilation.
• Option for youth sports and clubs to consider taking a more cautious approach and
implement more protective masking or testing policies given the increased risk of viral
transmission, especially indoors, from activities such as contact sports that involve physical
exertion and increased or more forceful breathing.
• Additional safety measures included for outdoor sports teams to consider for higher risk
interactions that happen indoors, including travel on team buses, weight training, sharing
locker rooms, or watching game films, among others.
• Reporting of individual cases of COVID-19 in the youth sports setting is no longer required.
Clusters of 3 or more linked cases within a 14-day period must be reported immediately and
no later than 1 business day.
• Youth Sports Programs with 5 or more epidemiologically linked cases over a 14-day period
should consider suspending activities for 5 days once the fifth linked case has been
identified to control further spread.
• Changes in COVID-19 vaccination and booster age-eligibility.
• Updated section on screening testing. Routine testing is strongly recommended for indoor
moderate-risk and indoor high-risk sports, regardless of vaccination status, during periods of
high community transmission and should be considered for outdoor moderate risk and
outdoor high risk sports during periods of high community transmission.
The Los Angeles County Health Officer Order strongly recommends the use of face masks in all
indoor public settings when case rates are at or above 100 new weekly cases per 100,000 individuals.
Refer to the Los Angeles County COVID-19 Response Plan for more details. Given the predominance
of more easily spread Omicron subvariants of the COVID-19 virus in the community, masking indoors,
regardless of vaccination status, remains an important mitigation strategy for slowing the spread of
COVID-19 in the community.
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 1 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Per published reports, factors that increase the risk of infection, including transmission to people more
than 6 feet away, include:
•Enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation or air handling that allow for build-up
of exhaled respiratory fluids, especially very fine droplets, and aerosol particles, in the air.
•Increased exhalation of respiratory fluids that can occur when an infectious person is
engaged in physical exertion or raises their voice (e.g., exercising, shouting, singing).
•Prolonged exposure to these conditions.
It is strongly recommended that all sports activities occur outdoors, whenever feasible, where the risk
of exposure is lower due to the ventilation being better than indoors.
Below is a summary of requirements and best practices for youth sports leagues (including school
sports teams) to enhance safety for participants, coaches, referees, and communities and to lower
the risk of COVID-19 transmission within youth teams and between teams during competitions.
Recommendations below apply to teams and sport activities based in LAC and to teams or players
coming to LAC for a competition from other jurisdictions.
In addition to this information, please remember:
❑ Youth sports leagues must follow the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order and the Los
Angeles County COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan Guidance for Youth Recreational
Sports Programs.
❑ Youth sports leagues that employ coaches, referees or other support staff must also adhere to
the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS).
❑ Youth sports leagues operating concession stands should review and follow LACDPH Best
Practice Guidance for Food and Beverage Service.
Please be sure to read and follow the general guidance for employers.
The best practices are intended to supplement the general guidance.
Follow mask guidance for participants, coaches, staff, and spectators
❑ Mask guidance based on the setting and county weekly case rates. Wearing face masks
reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. At this time, in alignment
with our Health Officer Order, use of masks in the youth sports setting is a personal preference.
No person may be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in a youth
sports-related activity unless wearing a mask would pose a safety hazard. Youth sports and
clubs may consider taking a more cautious approach and implement more protective masking
or testing policies given the increased risk of viral transmission especially indoors from activities
such as contact sports that involve physical exertion and increased or more forceful breathing.
Based on the Los Angeles County COVID-19 Response Plan, in all indoor settings, when county
case rates are greater than 99 new weekly cases per 100,000 people,
it is strongly
recommended that coaches, staff, volunteers, referees, officials, and spectators, regardless of
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 2 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
vaccination status, wear a mask at all times.
❑ Participants: While INDOORS, when county case rates are greater than 99 new weekly cases
per 100,000 people, it is strongly recommended that all participants, regardless of vaccination
status, bring and wear masks. Masks are strongly recommended to be worn indoors when
participants are not actively practicing, conditioning, competing, or performing. Masks are also
recommended indoors while on the sidelines, in team meetings, and within locker rooms and
weight rooms. When actively practicing, conditioning, or competing in indoor sports, masks are
recommended for participants even during heavy exertion, as practicable. Participants who
choose to continue wearing masks should bring more than one mask to practice or games in
case their mask gets wet or soiled during play. Any face mask that becomes saturated with
sweat should be changed immediately.
Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Face masks have been shown to be well tolerated
by most people who wear them for exercise.” However, masks should not be worn under the
following circumstances.
o For water sports. Participants who are engaged in water sports such as swimming, water
polo, or diving, may remove their face masks while they are in and preparing to dive into
the water. It is strongly recommended that face masks be worn when participants are not
in the water.
o For gymnastics. Gymnasts who are actively practicing/performing on an apparatus may
remove their masks because of the theoretical risk that the mask may get caught on
objects and become a choking hazard or accidently impair vision. It is strongly
recommended that gymnasts wear masks when not actively practicing/performing on an
apparatus.
o For competitive cheerleading. Cheerleaders who are actively performing/practicing
routines that involve tumbling, stunting, or flying may remove their masks because of the
theoretical risk that the mask may get caught on objects and become a choking hazard
or accidently impair vision.
o For wrestling. During wrestling contact, a face mask could become a choking hazard and
is discouraged unless an adult coach or official is closely monitoring for safety purposes.
❑ Spectators: While indoors, when case rates are greater than 99 new weekly cases per 100,000
people, it is strongly recommended that all spectators, regardless of vaccination status, bring
and wear masks. Consider making masks available for those who request them.
❑ Coaches: While indoors, when case rates are greater than 99 new weekly cases per 100,000
people, it is strongly recommended that all coaches, regardless of vaccination status, bring and
wear masks, even when engaged in intense physical activity.
❑ Referees and other game officials: While indoors, when case rates are greater than 99 new
weekly cases per 100,000 people, it is strongly recommended that all referees and officials,
regardless of vaccination status, bring and wear masks at all times.
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 3 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Employees: If the youth sports league employs coaches or other support staff, please note that
employers are required to provide for voluntary use, well-fitting medical grade masks and respirators
such as an N95 or KN95, to employees in close contact with others while indoors at the worksite or
facility, including in shared vehicles. For more information about free and low-cost Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) for businesses and organizations see
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/docs/FreeAndLowCostPPE.pdf .
Vaccinate
❑ It is strongly recommended that all athletes, coaches and team staff stay up-to-date with their
COVID-19 vaccines. At this time, you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have
completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose
recommended for you by CDC. Vaccination against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available
for everyone 6 months of age and older. Booster doses are available for everyone 5 years and
older. Please note: The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect
against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.
Vaccination is the primary strategy to reduce the burden of COVID-19 disease and protect all
members of the community. Having all athletes and staff in your youth sports league fully
vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are eligible will decrease the risk of transmission of the
virus among teammates and between teams and, if they get infected, will provide excellent
protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Screen for symptoms and isolate
❑ Ask participants and families to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to attending youth
sports activities.
❑ Post signage to remind everyone who enters your establishment that they should NOT enter if
they have symptoms of COVID-19 or if they are under isolation orders.
❑ Youth sports programs must exclude or, if onsite, isolate any participant, coach, or spectator
that is showing symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent spread to others.
o Take action to isolate participants who begin to have COVID-19 symptoms during youth
sports activities away from other participants, coaches, and spectators.
Reduce crowding, especially indoors
❑ If possible, hold youth sports activities outdoors where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is
much lower.
❑ If youth sports activities must be held indoors during times of high transmission, take steps to
reduce the number of participants, coaches, and spectators in any indoor area.
❑ Physical distancing is an infection control best practice that may be implemented as an additional
safety layer to reduce the spread of COVID-19. During practices, encourage activities that do
not involve sustained person-to-person contact between participants and/or coaching staff and
limit such activities in indoor settings. Instead, consider focusing on skill-building activities.
❑ Limit the number of participants who visit the restroom or locker room at any given time.
❑ Non-athletic team events, such as team dinners or other social activities, will be safer if they can
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 4 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
be held outdoors with distancing.
Routine Screening Testing for COVID-19
The virus that causes COVID-19 may infect any member of the youth sports league, regardless of
vaccination status, although it is more likely to infect unvaccinated persons. Any infected person can
potentially transmit the virus to others. One strategy to accurately identify infected individuals and then
quickly isolate them is routine periodic screening testing for COVID-19 with a Nucleic Acid
Amplification Test (NAAT) such as PCR, or an Antigen (Ag) test. Routine asymptomatic testing is a
particularly useful strategy when community rates of transmission are higher and becomes less
valuable as rates decrease and approach the low level of transmission. General guidance and
recommendations about testing including the types of tests available can be accessed at our Testing
Information for Patients page.
❑ Persons who have recovered (completed isolation) from a confirmed case of COVID-19 within
the past 90 days should not be included in periodic COVID-19 screening testing if the person
is asymptomatic. Screening for persons who were previously infected with COVID-19 should
start 90 days after the first day of symptoms or from the day of collection of first positive test
(if they were asymptomatic).
❑ Whenever a confirmed case is identified on any of your youth sports teams, follow instructions
listed in the Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports for isolation and post-exposure
guidance. Note current case reporting requirements:
o Youth sports programs are required to report clusters of 3 or more cases of COVID-19
in a pre-defined or identifiable group (i.e., teammates, club members, cohort, etc.) who
were participating in team or club activities at any point within the 14 days prior to illness
onset date. The illness onset date is the date COVID-19 symptoms started or the
COVID-19 test date, whichever is earlier. All cluster notifications should be reported to
DPH immediately, and no later than 1 business day of the program being notified of the
cases by submitting a report online at: https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US
Please refer to the Los Angeles County COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan
Guidance for Youth Recreational Sports Programs for detailed guidance on how to
manage this exposure event with respect to cases, identification of and actions for close
contacts, and reporting and notification procedures. Programs can also refer to the
public health guidance pages for cases and close contacts as an additional resource.
o Youth Sports Programs with 5 or more epidemiologically linked cases over a 14-day
period should consider suspending activities for 5 days once the fifth linked case has
been identified to control further spread. Individual conditioning and skill building may
continue during the suspension period if everyone on the team complies fully with any
individual isolation or quarantine orders that apply. If outbreak criteria are met and DPH
recommends an outbreak response, the Public Health Investigator can require a
suspension period or extend a suspension period as warranted during an outbreak
response.
❑ When the level of community transmission of COVID-19 occurring in Los Angeles County
is high, the following testing guidelines are strongly recommended for all participating
athletes and staff/coaches/ referees/volunteers. As the rate of community transmission
decreases and approaches a low level, the value of screening testing decreases as well, but
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 5 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
remains a consideration for youth sports programs that wish to include testing as one of their
layered prevention strategies to minimize risk of transmission and outbreaks among team
members.
o Indoor Moderate-Risk and High-Risk Sports. Routine testing at least weekly is
strongly recommended during times of high community transmission for all athletes,
staff, coaches, and volunteers participating in indoor moderate and high-risk sports
regardless of vaccination status. Results from over-the-counter test kits, including self-
administered, self-read tests performed at home, verified or not, are acceptable.
o Outdoor Moderate-Risk or High-Risk Sports. Consider routine COVID-19 testing for
all athletes and staff during times of high community transmission. Although the risk of
viral transmission falls considerably when sports activities occur outdoors compared to
indoors, the degree of direct and close contact between players can affect that risk. In
addition, even a sport that is considered primarily outdoor, such as football, will have
periods of increased transmission risk when team members are interacting in indoor
settings for prolonged periods. Some examples include long bus rides on charter
transportation where windows do not open and ventilation is limited; conditioning
sessions inside weight rooms; time spent in locker rooms before and after practice or
competitions, and watching game films. Sports programs should consider if additional
safety measures are appropriate, such as masking in these settings, requiring
vaccination, limiting number of participants using weight rooms and locker rooms at the
same time, and moving activities outdoors whenever possible.
❑ For players on moderate-risk and high-risk sports teams who are regularly transported together
via buses/vans, periodic testing during times of high community transmission is strongly
recommended.
❑ If players are participating in multi-county, multi-day competitions of moderate-risk or high-risk
outdoor sports, a negative test within the three days prior to their first game at the competition is
recommended during times of high community transmission.
❑ If there is a positive case among players, coaches, and/or staff on an outdoor sports team, it is
strongly recommended that all players, staff/coaches/volunteers (regardless of vaccination
status) have a weekly test for two weeks from exposure.
❑ Team staff/volunteers whose role or functions do not include any direct interaction with athletes,
coaches, or other staff (e.g., lending administrative support to the team or league but not working
directly with youth or other team members) do not need to be included in screening testing.
❑ Occasional volunteers who have very limited direct interaction with athletes, coaches, or other
staff (e.g., a volunteer referee or umpire who officiates only once or twice during the season) do
not need to be included in weekly screening testing, but it is strongly recommended they be fully
up-to-date on their vaccination status against COVID-19. During times of high community
transmission, it is also strongly recommended that they have a negative test within the 3 days
prior to their volunteer activity.
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 6 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Ventilate
❑ If youth sports activities are taking place indoors, make sure your building’s Heating, Ventilation,
and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is in good, working order.
❑ Consider installing portable high-efficiency air cleaners, upgrading the building’s air filters to the
highest efficiency possible, and making other modifications to increase the quantity of outside
air and ventilation in all working areas.
❑ When weather and playing conditions allow, consider increasing fresh outdoor air by opening
windows and doors. Consider using fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows –
position window fans to blow air outward, not inward.
❑ Ventilation in gymnasiums can be improved with strategic placement of floor fans. See Best
Practices for Gymnasium Ventilation for details.
❑ Consider decreasing occupancy in areas where outdoor ventilation cannot be increased.
❑ If your team or youth sports league utilizes transport vehicles, such as buses or vans, consider
opening windows to increase airflow from outside if weather conditions, air quality and rider
safety concerns allow. See State Interim guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in
Indoor Environments and CDC Ventilation in Schools and Child Care Programs page.
Support handwashing
❑ Place handwashing stations or hand sanitizer at entry and outside communal bathrooms with
signage promoting use.
❑ Encourage frequent handwashing.
Communicate
❑ Consider posting signage so that visitors who are entering your facility are aware of your COVID-
19 safety policies, including, when community transmission is greater than 99 new weekly cases
per 100,000 people, the strong recommendation that everyone wear a face mask while indoors.
❑ Use your online platforms to communicate your COVID-19 safety policies to the public.
Consider taking additional precautions around team travel and multi-team
tournaments
❑ When traveling in vehicles with other members of the youth sports team not from the same
household, keeping windows open as weather conditions, air quality, and rider safety concerns
allow is recommended. Masking during travel in shared team vehicles is based on individual
preference but should be considered, and is strongly recommended when community
transmission is high. This guidance also applies when members not from the same household
are carpooling using family vehicles.
❑ If traveling outside Los Angeles County for an event, adhere to the Travel Advisory and
Guidance.
❑ When traveling overnight, consider having team members not from the same household sleep
in separate rooms and wear masks when visiting other members’ hotel rooms.
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 7 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
❑ Socializing with other teams may increase the risk of introducing COVID-19 into your group as
you increase the number of new individuals that your team interacts with. Consider discouraging
these activities when community transmission is high and/or the CDC Community Level is
designated as High either in Los Angeles County or at the travel destination, or both.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Sports during the Pandemic
Sports and physical activities that allow for 6-8 feet between other competitors, like golf or singles
tennis, are going to be less risky than sports that involve frequent close contact, like basketball or
wrestling. Those where athletes do not share equipment, like cross country, will likely be less risky than
which have shared equipment, such as football. Those with limited exposure to other players may be
a safer option. A sprint in a track race, for example, may be less risky than sports that put someone in
close contact with another player for an extended period of time, like an entire half of a game.
The specific location where athletes train, practice and compete also impacts risk. Choose outdoor
venues for sports and classes whenever possible. COVID-19 is more likely to spread in indoor spaces
with poor ventilation. Indoor sports and activities will likely present an increased risk of transmission,
especially if the sport or physical activity also involves close contact, shared equipment, and more
exposure to other players, such as basketball.
The more people someone interacts with, the greater the chance of COVID-19 exposure. So small
teams, practice pods or classes that stay together, rather than mixing with other teams, coaches, or
teachers, will be a safer option. This will also make it easier to contact individuals if there is an exposure
to COVID-19.
Staying within your community will be safer than participating on travel teams. Traveling to an area with
more COVID-19 cases could increase the chance of transmission and spread. Travel sports also
include intermixing of players, so athletes are generally exposed to more people.
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022
Page 8 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Table 1. Examples of Sports Stratified by Risk Level






























Low Risk
Archery
Badminton (singles)
Band
Biking
Bocce
Bowling
Corn hole
Cross country
Curling
Dance (no contact)
Disc golf
Drumline
Equestrian events
(including rodeos) that
involve only a single rider
at a time
Golf
Gymnastics
Ice and roller skating (no
contact)
Lawn bowling
Martial arts (no contact)
Physical training
(e.g., yoga,
Zumba, Taichi)
Pickleball (singles)
Rowing/crew (with
1 person)
Running
Shuffleboard
Skeet shooting
Skiing and snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Swimming and diving
Tennis (singles)
Track and Field
Walking and Hiking
Appendix S: Protocol for Organized Youth Sports
Revised 11/8/2022














Moderate Risk
Badminton (doubles)
Baseball
Cheerleading
Dance (intermittent
contact)
Dodgeball
Field hockey
Flag Football
Kickball
Lacrosse (girls/women)
Pickleball (doubles)
Squash
Softball
Tennis (doubles)
Volleyball
High Risk
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Football
• Ice hockey
• Ice Skating (pairs)
• Lacrosse
(boys/men)
• Martial Arts
• Roller Derby
• Rugby
• Rowing/crew
(with 2 or
more people)
• Soccer
• Water polo
• Wrestling
Page 9 of 9COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan Guidance for
Organized Youth Sports Programs
Recent Updates: (Changes highlighted in yellow)
11/7/2022
• Clarified close contact definitions to incorporate CDPH’s specifications for large indoor
airspaces. In indoor airspaces greater than 400,000 cubic feet per floor, close contacts are
individuals within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. In
indoor airspaces 400,000 cubic feet or less per floor, close contacts are individuals who shared
in the same indoor airspace with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
period.
8/18/2022



Reporting of individual cases of COVID-19 in the youth sport setting is no longer required.
Moving forward, any clusters of 3 or more linked cases within a 14-day period in the
Organized Youth Sports Program must be reported immediately and no later than 1
business day.
Clarifies requirements for athlete close contacts who are asymptomatic and have mask
exemptions for continuing participation in program activities after a COVID-19 exposure.
Youth Sports Programs with 5 or more epidemiologically linked cases over a 14-day period
should consider suspending activities for 5 days once the fifth linked case has been identified.
If DPH recommends an outbreak response and activates an outbreak investigation, the Public
Health Investigator can require a suspension period or extend a suspension period as warranted
during an outbreak response.
A targeted public health response to contain COVID-19 exposures at a community-level can help
maximize the impact of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID-19 response.
Organized Youth Sports Programs are trusted community partners that can help DPH improve the
timeliness and impact of the Public Health response through rapid initiation of a COVID-19 Exposure
Management Plan (EMP). Immediate implementation of an EMP when a single case of COVID-19 is
identified within a Recreational Sports program can accelerate the ability to contain the spread of infection
and prevent outbreaks from occurring.
The steps for managing exposures to COVID-19 cases in an Organized Youth Sports Program are
described below and summarized in Appendix A. Because Organized Youth Sports programs will vary in
the level of resources available for COVID-19 exposure management, required steps are the minimum
elements that must be included in the EMP. Recommended steps include optional elements for exposure
management where resources are sufficient.
Note that this exposure management guidance applies to organized recreational sports leagues, club
sports, travel sports, sports events/meets/competitions and sports sponsored by private and public
schools serving students in TK12 schools. This guidance supplements the Protocol for Organized Youth
Sports which provides a summary of requirements and best practices in this setting. This guidance does
not apply to collegiate or professional sports or to community events such as marathons,
half-marathons, and endurance races.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 1 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
The risk of spread of COVID-19 in a Youth Sports Program is affected by the following factors:
o As more individuals are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, the risk decreases.
o In the absence of COVID-19 vaccination, the risk increases with: (1) sports that have closer
levels of contact between participants (particularly face-to-face contact in indoor sports); (2)
sports that have increased frequency and longer duration of close contact; (3) high contact
sports that have greater exertion levels that increase the rate of breathing and the amount of
air that is inhaled and exhaled with every breath.
In the guidance that follows, the term “household” is defined as “persons living together as a single
living unit” and shall not include institutional group living situations such as dormitories, fraternities,
sororities, monasteries, convents, or residential care facilities, nor does it include such commercial
living arrangements such as boarding houses, hotels, or motels. The terms “staff” and “employee” are
meant to include coaches, employees, support staff, volunteers, interns and trainees, scholars and all
other individuals who carry out work at the site or for the recreational sport activity. The terms “players”,
“participants”, “family members”, “visitors” or "customers” should be understood to include members of
the public and others who are not staff or employees who spend time at the business or site or take
part in the activities. The terms “establishment”, “site”, and “facility” refer to the buildings or grounds at
which permitted activities are conducted. “DPH” or “Public Health” is the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health.
Exposure Management Planning Prior to Identifying 1 COVID-19 Case
❑ Required: A designated COVID-19 Organized Youth Sports Program Compliance Officer (referred to
as “Compliance Officer”) who is responsible for establishing and enforcing all COVID-19 safety
processes and ensuring that all participants receive education about COVID-19. The designated
COVID-19 Compliance Officer will serve as a liaison to DPH for sharing information pertinent to
controlling spread of COVID-19 in the Organized Youth Sports Program.
❑ Required: A plan for all participants and staff who (1) have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, (2)
were exposed in the Sports Program, or (3) are part of an Organized Youth Sports Program with an
active public health investigation to have access to testing or be tested for COVID-19.
❑ Recommended: Routine screening testing is strongly recommended for athletes in moderate-risk and
high-risk sports. If an Organized Youth Sports Programs chooses to implement a screening testing
program, programs should use an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test, including a Nucleic Acid
Amplification Test (NAAT, such as PCR) or a point-of-care (POC) or over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen
test.
❑ Recommended: Organized Youth Sports Programs are advised to apply DPH guidance on Decision
Pathways for persons who have not been tested for COVID-19 but screen positive for symptoms prior
to or during participation in the Sports Program.
Exposure Management for COVID-19 Cases in an Organized Youth Sports Program
❑ Required: After identifying 1 confirmed COVID-19 case (participant or staff), the Compliance Officer
instructs the case to follow Home Isolation Instructions for COVID-19 (ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
NOTE: A confirmed COVID-19 case is an individual who has a positive COVID-19 test.
Refer to sample Youth Sport Program isolation instruction notification (posted on
ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for a model that can be adapted.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 2 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
o Athletes and staff with COVID-19 can end isolation after Day 5* ONLY if all of the following
criteria are met: 1. A COVID-19 viral test** collected on Day 5 or later is negative, and 2. No
fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine, and 3. Other symptoms
are improving --or-- Isolation can end after Day 10 if no fever for at least 24 hours without the
use of fever-reducing medicine.
*For symptomatic athletes and staff, Day 0 is the first day of symptoms; Day 1 is the first full day
after symptoms develop. For asymptomatic athletes and staff, Day 0 is the day the first positive
test was collected; Day 1 is the first full day after the positive test was collected.
**The test must be an FDA authorized viral test (e.g., PCR or Antigen test, including at-home
tests). An antigen test is preferred for testing out of isolation.
o If an athlete meets the criteria to leave isolation after Day 5, they are strongly recommended to
continue to wear a highly protective mask around others for 10 days after their positive test or
the first full day after their symptoms developed, except when eating or drinking. Staff with
COVID-19 are required to wear a highly protective mask in the workplace around others, except
when eating or drinking, for those 10 days after their positive test or the first full day after their
symptoms developed.
o NOTE: For staff, per Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS),
employers are required to fulfill the following: inform all employees about how they can obtain
testing, offer testing at no cost and during paid time, and provide testing in a manner that
ensures employee confidentiality. To comply with the testing requirements of the ETS, an over-
the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 test may be both self-administered and self-read if verification of
the results, such as a time and date stamped photograph of the result or an OTC test that uses
digital reporting with time and date stamped results, is provided. Additionally, staff may request
masks and respirators from their employer at no cost to staff. See Wear a Mask and Know your
Rights for more information.
❑ Required: The Compliance Officer works to identify all individuals or all groups in the Organized Youth
Sports Program who have had an exposure to the confirmed positive case(s) in the Youth Sports
Program during their infectious period (Close Contacts).
o A case is considered to be infectious from 2 days before their symptom onset date until their
isolation ends as described in the Home Isolation Instructions for COVID-19
(ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation). A person with a positive COVID-19 test but no symptoms is
considered infectious from 2 days before their test was taken until their isolation period ends.
o Close Contact: Persons are considered to have been exposed to a case (close contact) during the
case’s infectious period if:
In indoor airspaces that are 400,000 cubic feet or less per floor: They shared the same indoor
airspace with the infected person (case) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-
hour period during the infected person’s infectious period. (This definition of shared indoor
airspace should be applied to classrooms, offices, and other similar-sized spaces.)
In indoor airspaces that are greater than 400,000 cubic feet per floor: They were within 6 feet
of the infected person (case) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period
during the infected person’s infectious period. NOTE: Spaces that are separated by floor-to-ceiling
walls (e.g., offices, suites, break/eating areas separated by floor-to-ceiling walls) are considered
distinct indoor airspaces.
NOTE: Persons with an outdoor exposure are not considered close contacts.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 3 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
❑ Required: The Compliance Officer is required to report to Public Health all staff and participant
clusters of 3 or more cases with confirmed COVID-19 who were participating in an Organized Youth
Sports Program team, club, or cohort at any point within the 14 days prior to the illness onset date.
❑ Required: All Organized Youth Sports Program-associated COVID-19 clusters should be reported
online through the secure web application, the Shared Portal for Outbreak Tracking (SPOT):
https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US. If there are multiple cases to report, programs can
submit their reports using the “Bulk Upload Template” located within the SPOT Portal. All clusters
with information for the cases should be reported to Public Health immediately, and no later than 1
business day of being notified of the third, or last, case in the cluster. Programs can refer to the TK-
12 Schools COVID-19 Toolkit for additional information about reporting instructions or contact ACDC-
[email protected].
❑ Required: All persons with a known exposure (close contacts) to a COVID-19 positive case in an
Organized Youth Sports Program are notified by the Compliance Officer of the exposure and actions
to take. Refer to sample Youth Sport Program notification letters (posted on
ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for templates that can be adapted.
Actions for close contacts

Asymptomatic close contacts may remain in the Youth Sports program if they meet the
following requirements: (1) monitor for symptoms; (2) wear a highly protective mask around
others indoors, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the last date of exposure; (3)
test with an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test (e.g., PCR or Antigen test, including at-home
tests) within 3-5 days since the last date of exposure.*
*NOTE: Asymptomatic athlete and staff close contacts who were previously infected with
SARS-CoV-2 within the last 90 days are exempt from testing but must mask around
others indoors for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
- If symptoms develop, test using an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test and stay home. If
the test is positive,
follow
(ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation).
Home
Isolation
Instructions
for
COVID-19
- For athletes who have a mask exemption* and have been exposed, athletes should wear
a face shield with drape at the bottom if their condition allows. For athletes who cannot
tolerate a mask or a face shield with drape at the bottom, they may continue participating
in program activities if 1) they remain asymptomatic, 2) monitor for symptoms for the 10
days after last exposure, and 3) test for COVID-19 twice during the 10 days after last
exposure, once during days 3-5 and once during days 6-9. Athletes who cannot mask after
exposure and cannot meet these requirements must remain at home until after Day 10 after
last exposure.
*Individuals may be exempt from wearing a mask for the following reasons:
▪ Persons younger than two years old.
▪ Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing
impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
▪ Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability or whose
medical provider has determined that it is unsafe for them to wear a mask, may file
for an exemption with their school. A certification from a state licensed health care
provider attesting that the student has a condition or disability that precludes them
from wearing a mask safely will be accepted as proof of exemption. The f ollowing
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 4 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
licensed health care professionals may provide such attestations: Medical providers
including physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA)
practicing under the authority of a licensed physician; and licensed mental an d
behavioral health practitioners including Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), clinical
psychologist (Psy.D.) Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Marriage and
Family Therapist (LMFT).
- Staff who are close contacts exposed at work must follow the guidance outlined in
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards. Please refer to Table
2 in Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked
Questions for guidance after an exposure, including for staff who are unable to mask .
- Staff may request masks and respirators from their employer at no cost to staff. See
Wear a Mask and Know your Rights for more information.
- For staff, per Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS),
employers are required to fulfill the following testing requirements: inform all employees on
how they can obtain testing, offer testing at no cost and during paid time, and provide testing
in a manner that ensures employee confidentiality. To comply with the testing requirements
of the ETS, an over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 test may be both self-administered and
self-read if verification of the results, such as a time and date stamped photograph of the
result or an OTC test that uses digital reporting with time and date stamped results, is
provided.
❑ Required: Youth Sports Programs are required to have a plan to facilitate COVID-19 response testing
for persons with an exposure in the Youth Sports Program. Participants and staff who are tested must
inform the Youth Sports Program of the test results. Testing resources include: Employee Health
Services or Occupational Health Services, Student Health Center, Personal Healthcare Providers, LA
City and County Testing Sites: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing, and Community-Based Testing Sites
(local health centers and pharmacies). Individuals who need assistance finding a medical provider
can call the LA County Information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.
❑ Required: Employees with an exposure should follow guidance outlined in Cal/OSHA COVID-19
Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards Isolation and Quarantine section. A summary of
requirements is provided in the Public Health guidance document on Responding to COVID-19 in the
Workplace.
❑ Required: If an individual with confirmed COVID-19 participated during their infectious period in any
games, tournaments, or other Organized Youth Sports Program-related activities involving other
teams, the Compliance Officer must notify the opposing team(s) of potential exposure. Refer to
sample
Youth
Sport
Program
opposing
team
notification
letter
(posted
on
ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for a model that can be adapted.
❑ Required: Compliance Officers for all affected teams must work collaboratively to notify any
individuals or groups who meet the criteria for having been exposed.
❑ Required: The Compliance Officer will work with Public Health to determine whether the cases within
the reported cluster are epidemiologically linked, meaning that the affected individuals were present
at some point in the same setting during the same time period while either or both were infectious.*
Determination of epidemiological links between cases may require further investigation to assess
exposure history and identify all possible locations and persons that may have been exposed to the
case while infectious in an Organized Youth Sports Program.
*A case is considered to be infectious from 2 days bef ore symptoms first appeared until isolation
ends. A person with a positive COVID-19 test but no symptoms is considered to be infectious
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 5 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
from 2 days before their test was taken until isolation ends.
o Epidemiologically linked cases include persons in an Organized Youth Sports Program with
identifiable connections to each other (i.e., on the same team, sharing physical space like a locker
room or car, attending a social gathering together), indicating a higher likelihood of linked spread
of disease in the Organized Youth Sports Program rather than sporadic transmission from the
broader community. If epidemiological links exist, DPH will advise the program on important steps
to take and communications to students and employees on precautions to take to prevent further
spread, including implementation of program-specific interventions for infection control.
Organized Youth Sports Programs should contact DPH for assistance in determining whether
cases are epidemiologically linked by emailing [email protected].
o Public Health will determine if the outbreak criteria have been met: at least 3 confirmed cases of
COVID-19 within a 14-day period among members of an Organized Youth Sports Program who
are epidemiologically linked, do not share a household, and are not a close contact of each other
outside of the educational or youth program site. Epidemiological links require the infected
persons to have been present at some point in the same setting during the same time period
while infectious.
❑ Required: If outbreak criteria are met and DPH recommends an outbreak response, DPH will notify
the Compliance Officer that an outbreak investigation has been activated, and the Compliance Officer
will work with the Public Health Investigator to coordinate the outbreak response.
❑ Recommended: Youth Sports Programs with 5 or more epidemiologically linked cases over a 14-
day period should consider suspending activities for 5 days once the fifth linked case has been
identified to control further spread. Individual conditioning and skill building may continue during the
suspension period if everyone on the team complies fully with any individual isolation or quarantine
orders that apply. If outbreak criteria are met and DPH recommends an outbreak response, the
Public Health Investigator can require a suspension period or extend a suspension period as
warranted during an outbreak response.
❑ Recommended: The Compliance Officer will determine whether additional notification is needed to
inform the wider program community about the exposure and precautions being taken to prevent
spread of COVID-19. Refer to sample Youth Sports Program general notification letter (posted on
ph.lacounty.gov/EducationToolkitTK12) for a model that can be adapted.
❑ Recommended: It is strongly recommended that all team members participating on the same team
as a confirmed case are tested weekly for 2 weeks from the last date that the case was present on
the team while infectious, regardless of vaccination or exposure status.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 6 of 7COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
Appendix A:
Steps for Managing Exposures to COVID-19 Cases in an Organized Youth Sports Program
1) Required: Youth Sports Program notifies the case to follow COVID-19 Home
Isolation Instructions.
1 Case
2) Required: Youth Sports Program identifies exposed individuals or groups. This
may include individuals or groups on an opposing team if the case participated in
any games or tournaments during their infectious period.
3) Required: Youth Sports Program notifies contacts of exposure.
1) Required: Follow required steps for 1 confirmed case.
2) Recommended: If the 2 cases occurred within 14 days of each other, Youth
2 Cases
Sports Program works with DPH to determine whether the cases have
epidemiological (epi) links. If epi links exist, Youth Sports Program implements
additional infection control measures.
1) Required: Follow required steps for 1 confirmed case.
2) Required: If a cluster of 3 or more cases in the Organized Youth Sports Program
3+
Cases
occurred within 14 days of each other, the Youth Sports Program immediately
notifies DPH by reporting the cluster online at:
https://spot.cdph.ca.gov/s/?language=en_US.
3) Required: DPH determines if the outbreak criteria have been met. If outbreak
criteria are met, a DPH outbreak investigation is activated, and a Public Health
Investigator will contact the Organized Youth Sports Program to coordinate the
outbreak investigation.
COVID-19 Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports
Revised 11/7/2022
Page 7 of 7Decision Pathways for Symptoms in Early Care and Education
Centers and TK-12 Schools
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Updated: 8/15/2022
1Decision Pathway for Children with Symptoms
2Decision Pathways for Children with Symptoms Prior to Entry 1 into an Educational
Institution, regardless of vaccination status
1If child becomes unwell at the facility, place child in an isolation area (physically distant
from attendant, ideally outdoors) and follow decision pathways described below.
Screening
identifies child with
1 or more symptoms
consistent with
possible
COVID-19. 1
Screening
identifies child with
symptoms not
consistent with
possible
COVID-19 .
Child is sent home.
Parent/guardian instructed
to consult Medical Provider
for further evaluation and
possible COVID-19 testing.
Institution determines if
the child should be excused
per illness management
policy. If the child’s
symptoms make it difficult
to comply with the facility’s
COVID-19 safety protocols,
the child should be sent
home.
Medical provider
confirms child does
not have symptoms
consistent with
COVID-19.
Child stays home per
Medical provider
guidance.
Child tested
Medical provider
not consulted or
medical provider
confirms child has
symptoms consistent
with COVID-19.
Child has
negative
COVID-19
diagnostic
viral test2
Child has
positive
COVID-19
diagnostic
viral test2
Child stays home until
fever free without fever
reducing medication for
24 hours and improved
symptoms.
Child follows Home
Isolation Guidance.
Child not tested
1 Symptoms consistent with possible COVID-19 infection in children include: fever ≥ 100.4 ○ F; new cough (different from baseline); vomiting
or any new onset diarrhea. If the child’s symptoms are not consistent with possible COVID -19 but there is still concern, evaluation of the
child by a medical provider is recommended.
2 COVID-19 diagnostic viral test includes Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, such as a PCR, or a rapid antigen test (including over -the-counter,
or at-home, tests). PCR tests are considered the most accurate test for COVID -19, but either PCR or rapid antigen tests may be used.
3Decision Pathway for Employees with Symptoms
4Decision Pathways for Employees with Symptoms Prior to Entry 1 into an Educational
Institution, regardless of vaccination status
1If employee becomes unwell at the facility, place employee in an isolation area (ideally outdoors,
physically distant from attendant) and follow decision pathways below.
Screening
identifies
employee with 1 or
more symptoms
consistent with
possible
COVID-19. 1
Screening
identifies employee
with symptoms not
consistent with
possible
COVID-19.
Employee is sent home and
instructed to consult
Medical Provider for further
evaluation and possible
COVID-19 testing.
Medical
provider confirms
employee does not
have symptoms
consistent with
COVID-19.
Employee stays home per
Medical provider guidance.
Employee
tested
Institution determines if the
employee should be excused
per illness management
policy. If the employee’s
symptoms make it difficult
for the to comply with the
facility’s COVID-19 safety
protocols, the employee
should be sent home.
Medical
provider
not consulted
or medical provider
confirms employee
has symptoms
consistent with
COVID-19.
Employee
has negative
COVID-19
diagnostic viral
test2
Employee
has positive
COVID-19
diagnostic viral
test2
Employee stays home until
fever free without fever
reducing medication for 24
hours and improved
symptoms.
Employee follows Home
Isolation Guidance.
Employee not tested
1 Symptoms associated with possible COVID-19 in adults: fever ≥ 100.4 ○ or feeling feverish (chills, sweating); cough; shortness of breath; new
loss of taste or smell; fatigue; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headache; sore throat; nausea or vomiting; diarr hea. If the
symptoms are not listed but there is still concern, additional evaluation by a medical provider is recommended.
2 COVID-19 diagnostic viral test includes Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, such as a PCR, or a rapid antigen test (including over -the-counter,
or at-home, tests). PCR tests are considered the most accurate test for COVID -19, but either PCR or rapid antigen tests may be used.
5Decision Pathway for Contacts (child/student or employee/staff) of a
Potentially Infected Individual
6Decision Pathways for Contacts to a Potentially Infected Individual at an Educational Institution
A potentially infected individual is an individual with ≥ 1 symptoms consistent with possible COVID-191. In TK-12 and ECE settings, close
contacts of a potentially infected individual are those that shared the same indoor airspace OR were within 6 feet of someone with
COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period while they were infectious.2
Asymptomatic close contacts DO NOT need to quarantine, but are required to:
Contacts to a
potentially infected individual are
notified that that they may have had
an exposure.
Contacts may remain at the facility
while waiting for confirmation of
exposure. 3
Institution confirms
that the contact was
exposed to COVID-19.
Institution
confirms
contact was not
exposed OR no
confirmation of
exposure is provided.
No action
required.
(1) Monitor for symptoms for 10 days following last exposure.
(2) Wear a highly protective mask around others indoors if aged 2 years and
older, except when eating or drinking, for 10 days after the last date of
exposure.*
(3) Test with an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test (e.g. PCR or antigen test,
including at-home tests) within 3-5 days since the last date of exposure.**
*Students/children aged 2 years or older with a mask exemption may wear a face shield with drape
at the bottom or must test once between days 3-5 and once between days 6-9 to remain on site.
Children under 2 years of age should not wear a mask. Refer to the TK-12 Exposure Management
Plan or the ECE Exposure Management Plan for additional details.
**If you had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, you do not need to test unless you develop symptoms.
If applying the within 6 ft of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
period definition for close contacts in classrooms or similar-sized settings, all other
individuals who shared the same indoor airspace with the infected person for 15 minutes or
more over a 24-hour period must be notified of a potential exposure and are advised to
follow the above guidance for symptom monitoring, masking (if aged 2 years and older), and
testing.
1 Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 criteria differ for children and adults, see slide 3 for child criteria and slide 5 for adult criteria .
2 There are different approaches for identifying close contacts in ECE, TK -12, and IHE settings. Refer to the exposure management plan corresponding to the setting for
more details: ECE, TK-12, IHE.
3 Exposure is confirmed for a close contact to a potentially infected individual if the site receives notification that the potentially infected indi vidual had a positive
COVID-19 diagnostic viral test OR received a COVID-19 diagnosis from a medical provider.
7COVID-19:
Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
This document is updated often. Visit the English webpage at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
for the most up to date information. To view the information in another language, click on
“Translate” in the top left corner of the page and select desired language.
Summary
Treatment for people at high risk for getting very sick
If you are at high risk, you may be able to get treatment to help keep you out of the hospital. Contact a doctor
right away if you test positive and have symptoms, even if they are mild. Don’t delay: the medicines work best
when they are given as soon as possible after symptoms start. See ph.lacounty.gov/covidmedicines for more
information.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 1COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
Introduction
In Los Angeles County, if you have COVID-19* you are required to:
❶ Isolate yourself, and
❷ Wear a highly protective mask, and
❸ Tell your close contacts that they have been exposed and need to follow instructions for close
contacts
*
You are considered to have COVID-19, if you have a positive viral test for COVID-19 and/or a healthcare
provider thinks that you have COVID-19.
Call the COVID Info line 1-833-540-0473 (open daily 8:00am–8:30pm) if you test positive for COVID-19 and
have questions or need help. Call this number if you are experiencing homelessness and/or are unable to safely
isolate or quarantine at home.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19 in LA County. If you get a call from “LA PublicHealth” or 1-833-641-
0305 please answer the phone. If you get a text message from ‘Los Angeles County Department of Public
Health’ with a link for an online interview, please complete it. (See Contact Tracing.)
ISOLATE: Stay home and away from others
If you have COVID-19, you must self-isolate regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack
of symptoms.1
You must isolate for at least 10 full days unless you meet certain conditions. To see how long you need to
isolate, read the section below that best fits your situation.
Ending isolation: if you have symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 or if your doctor
thinks* that you have COVID-19
Isolation can end after Day 5 ONLY if all of the following criteria are met:
• You have a negative COVID-19 test** that was collected on Day 5 or later, and
• You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine, and
• Your symptoms are improving.
-OR-
Isolation can end after Day 10 if you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-
reducing medicine.
If you do have a fever, continue isolation until 24 hours after your fever resolves.
1
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell,
fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. This list does not
include all possible symptoms of COVID-19. Some people with COVID-19 never get symptoms. Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidcare to
learn more about what to do if you are sick. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are having serious symptoms. Serious
symptoms include difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, have bluish lips or face or being confused or having difficulty
waking up.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 2COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
However, if you have a condition that weakens your immune system or if you were severely ill with COVID-19
you might need to stay home for longer than 10 days. Talk to your doctor about when you can be around
other people.
Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed.
*If your doctor initially thought your symptoms were due to COVID-19 (and you did not test positive for
COVID-19), but they reassessed your diagnosis and decided that you are not infected, you can stop isolating
after 24 hours of being fever-free. But if you are a close contact to a person with COVID-19 you must follow the
instructions on the Instructions for Close Contacts webpage.
**The test must be an FDA-authorized COVID-19 viral test such as an antigen or NAAT/PCR test. It is better to
use an antigen test because NAAT/PCR tests are more likely to stay positive after you are no longer infectious.
Self-tests are acceptable, but if it is used for return to work the test must be observed or reported in a certain
way. For more information check with your employer and see Cal-OSHA Testing FAQs.
Note: Employers may require their employees/contractors to complete the full 10 days of isolation before
returning to in-person work. Employees should discuss return to work with their employer. See Return to Work
(Non-Healthcare) Summary Table.
COVID-19 Rebound
You may have COVID-19 rebound if your COVID-19 symptoms return or get worse after ending isolation. You
should isolate away from others again. Isolation can end 5 days after your rebound began if you have been
fever-free for at least 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. To protect others, wear a highly protective
mask around others for at least 10 days after the start of your rebound. See COVID-19 Rebound FAQs. Talk to
your doctor about your symptoms or if you have questions.
Ending isolation: if you test positive for COVID-19 and you never develop symptoms
Isolation can end after Day 5 if:
• You have a negative COVID-19 test* collected on Day 5 or later, and
• You never got symptoms of COVID-19.
-OR-
Isolation can end after Day 10 if:

You never got symptoms of COVID-19.
However, if you have a condition that severely weakens your immune system you might need to stay
home for longer than 10 days. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Day 0 is the day your positive test was taken. Day 1 is the first full day after your positive test was taken.
Important: if you develop symptoms, you must follow the ending isolation instructions for persons with
symptoms. Your new Day 0 is the day your symptoms began. See above.
*The test must be an FDA-authorized COVID-19 viral test such as an antigen or NAAT/PCR test. It is better to
use an antigen test because NAAT/PCR tests are more likely to stay positive after you are no longer infectious.
Self-tests are acceptable, but if it is used for return to work the test must be observed or reported in a certain
way. For more information check with your employer and see Cal-OSHA Testing FAQs.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 3COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
Note: Employers may require their employees/contractors to complete the full 10 days of isolation before
returning to in-person work. Employees should discuss return to work with their employer. See Return to Work
(Non-Healthcare) Summary Table.
Isolation Instructions – How to protect others

Stay home except to get medical care.
o Stay home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Only leave your place of quarantine to
get medical care and don't allow non-essential visitors.
o If you must leave home to get needed medical care, wear a highly protective mask. Drive
yourself, if possible. If you cannot drive yourself, sit in the back seat alone, leave the windows
down, and you and your driver should wear a highly protective mask.
o

If someone from outside your household is shopping for you, ask them to leave the food and
other supplies at your door, if possible. Pick them up after the person has left. If you need help
finding free delivery services, social services, essential items like food and medicines call 2-1-1 or
visit the Public Health resource webpage ph.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/resources.htm.
Separate yourself from others in your home
o Wear a highly protective mask (N95, KN95, KF94) or double mask (cloth mask over a medical
mask) if you need to be in the same room as other household members. See below for more
details.
o Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible. Open windows and use fans to blow air out
or use air purifiers to help clear out COVID-19 virus particles. See the California Department of
Public Health’s Tips for Reducing COVID-19 Risk Indoors (flyer) and the CDC Improving
Ventilation in Your Home webpage for more information.
oKeep 6 feet away. If you have to share a room, try setting up the room so that you can stay 6
feet apart, if possible. It is important to stay away from people who are at higher risk of serious
illness.
oUse a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, disinfect the bathroom after use (see cleaning
information below). If sharing a bathroom, open a window or turn on a fan and wait 30 minutes
after the person with COVID-19 uses it.
•Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can after each use. Wash your
hands or use hand sanitizer after you cough or sneeze.
•Avoid sharing food or personal household items
o Do not prepare or serve food to others, if possible. Be sure to wear a mask and wash your hands
often if there is no one else to prepare and serve food.

oDo not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, with other people in your home.
oMake sure to wash your dishes, drinking glasses, and eating utensils with soap and water after
each use.
Clean your hands often
o Wash your hands often, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the
bathroom; before eating or preparing food; and after touching your face mask or cover. Use
soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
o
If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub hands together for 30 seconds until they
feel dry. Use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 4COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19

Clean and disinfect all “high-touch” surfaces every day
o Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (e.g., counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets,
phones) routinely (at least once a day), especially if you must share spaces with other household
members. Remove personal items from common areas and avoid sharing items.
oClean and disinfect any surfaces that may have body fluids on them.
oUse household cleaning and disinfectant sprays or wipes. Be sure to follow the product label
instructions.
Wear a highly protective mask
While you are in isolation, you must wear a highly protective mask if you need to be around others, including
people you live with.
If you meet the criteria to leave isolation after Day 5, it is strongly recommended that you continue to wear a
highly protective mask around others, especially through Day 10. Note: if you return to work after Day 5, you
are required to wear a mask at the workplace for a total of 10 days after your positive test. See Return to Work
(Non-Healthcare) Summary Table.
A highly protective mask is one that fits and filters well such as a well-fitting respirator (such as an N95 or
KN95), a double mask (a cloth mask over a medical mask), a well-fitting medical mask, or well-fitting, high-
filtration cloth (“reusable”) mask with a nose-wire. Well-fitting respirators provide the most protection.
See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for more details about masks that offer the best protection.
Tell your close contacts they have been exposed
You must tell your close contacts that they could be infected. They must take steps to reduce the risk of
spreading COVID-19 including masking, testing, and monitoring their health. Give them the Instructions for
Close Contacts. They are available in multiple languages at ph.lacounty.gov/covidcontacts. Your close contacts
must follow the instructions even if they feel well or are fully vaccinated.
If you work or study in a setting where you could have gotten COVID-19 or passed it on to others, please tell
your workplace or school so that they can advise others to take any necessary precautions.
Definition of a Close Contact
A “close contact” is any person who shared the same indoor airspace with you for a
total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period while you were infectious*.

Examples of indoor airspaces are homes, waiting rooms, airplanes. An example of ‘a
total of 15 minutes or more’ is being in the same airspace with the person for 5
minutes at least 3 different times in 24 hours.
*You are considered to be infectious (meaning you can spread COVID-19 to others) starting
2 days before your symptoms began until your isolation ends. If you test positive for
COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms, you are considered to be infectious from 2 days
before your test was taken until your isolation ends.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 5COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19
Take care of your health
Home Care
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. Here are steps that you can take to
help you get better:


Rest and drink plenty of fluids
Take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain. Note that
children younger than age 2 should not be given any over-the-counter cold medications without first
speaking with a doctor.
Seeking Medical Care
Stay in touch with your doctor and seek medical care if your symptoms get worse.
People who are at high-risk of getting very sick who get COVID-19 should talk to their doctor about medicine
that could prevent serious illness. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are age 50 years or older and/or
have an underlying medical condition, call your doctor right away, even if your symptoms are
mild. Don’t delay: the medicines work best when they are given as soon as possible after symptoms start. For
more information, talk to your doctor and see the medication webpage.
Call 911 if there are emergency warning signs
Difficulty
Breathing
Pressure or
pain in chest
Pale, gray or
blue-colored
skin, lips, or
nail beds*
Confused or
hard to wake
Other serious
symptoms
*depending on skin tone
People with emergency warning signs should call 911. If it’s not urgent, call your doctor before visiting. You
may be able to get advice by phone.
Dealing with Stress
COVID-19 and self-isolation are stressful for people. Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Mental
Health’s COVID-19 webpage and the 211LA webpage (211la.org/resources/subcategory/mental-health) for
local resources to address mental health & wellbeing needs and concerns. In addition, guidance and resources,
including information on crisis hotlines, are also available on the CDC webpage Coping with Stress.
LA County residents have free access to iPrevail.com, an online mental health resource to help with life's
everyday stressors. After a short assessment, you are connected to customized support to meet your needs.
Options include:
• on-demand chat with trained Peer Coaches,
• self-paced lessons on a variety of topics to improve wellbeing, and
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 6COVID-19: Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19

community support groups
iPrevail is offered in English and Spanish and is available 24/7 from any smart device.
If you need to speak with someone about your mental health, contact your doctor or the Los Angeles County
Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-854-7771. If you need help finding
healthcare, call the Los Angeles County Information line at 2-1-1. This number is available 24/7.
Contact tracing
Contact tracing is a simple, confidential process that is being used to help slow the spread of COVID-19. You
can do your part by answering a few simple questions about the places you have been and the people you
have been around while you were infectious.

If you get a call or text message from Public Health, it is important that you respond to us as soon as
possible. It may show on your phone as “LA PublicHealth” or 1-(833) 641-0305. The text message will be
from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
oIf you get a call from Public Health, please answer to complete an interview.
oIf you get a text, please click the link to do an online interview or call the number to talk to a
specialist.
•Conversations with public health staff are confidential. This means any information you share will be
kept private.
•The people you tell Public Health about will be contacted but will not be told your name, contact
information, or that you have COVID-19. They will not be told anything about you, just that they were
exposed to COVID-19.
•Public Health staff will answer any questions you may have and will also share helpful resources such as
how to get a COVID-19 test, the best time to get a COVID-19 vaccine, or help finding a doctor.
•To learn more about contact tracing, click here.
More information
•For more information on COVID-19 and to view the resources mentioned above in multiple
languages, visit ph.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/.
•For help finding free delivery services, social services, essential items like food and
medicines, visit ph.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/resources.htm or call 2-1-1 (which is available 24/7).
•Please call your health care provider for any questions related to your health. If you need help finding a
health care provider, call 2-1-1.
•Information about Disability Insurance, Unemployment & Paid Family Leave for people who are unable
to work because they, or a family member, need to isolate or quarantine is available on the California
Employment Development Department website.
•For more information on COVID-19 related work issues, view the COVID-19 Safety Workers Rights in
California Pamphlet.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation
Home Isolation – 11/23/22
Page 7COVID-19:
Summary Instructions for Close Contacts (General Public)
You are a “close contact” if you shared the same indoor airspace with someone with COVID-19 for a
total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period while they were infectious1.
Examples of indoor airspaces are homes, waiting rooms, airplanes. An example of ‘a total of 15 minutes or
more’ is being in the same airspace with the person for 5 minutes at least 3 different times in 24 hours.
If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and you have no symptoms, you do not need to
quarantine*. You are required to:
❶ Wear a highly protective mask for 10 days.
You must wear a mask around others while indoors. This includes wearing a mask at home.
See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for details about masks that offer the best protection.
❷ Get tested 3-5 days after you were last exposed2
In addition, consider getting tested right away if you or someone you live with is at higher risk for severe
illness. This is because medicine to prevent severe illness is available for high-risk people who have
symptoms and test positive, and it should be started as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If you
live or spend time with someone at higher risk, finding out that you are positive sooner means that you
can take steps to protect them sooner. If you test negative, test again on or after Day 5.
Note: if you tested positive for COVID-19 in last 90 days:
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should use antigen tests to make sure you have not
gotten re-infected.
• If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19:
o Testing is not recommended if your first positive test was 30 days ago or less.
o Testing is recommended (but not required) if your first positive test was 31-90 days ago. If
you do test, you should use an antigen test
If you test positive at any time, follow isolation instructions at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
❸ Monitor your health for 10 days
If symptoms start, test right away and stay home away from others. If you test positive, follow isolation
requirements at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
Note: Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with the infected person.
* Quarantine - you may choose to quarantine to protect others, even when it is not required. If you live in a
high-risk setting, you may be required to quarantine within the facility. See the next page for quarantine
instructions.
1
Someone with COVID-19 is considered infectious from 2 days before their symptoms began (or the day their first positive test was
taken) until their isolation period ends.
2
The test should be an FDA-authorized COVID-19 viral test such as an antigen or NAAT/PCR test. Self-tests are acceptable, but if
used for return to work the test must be observed or reported in a certain way. For more information check with your employer and
see Cal-OSHA Testing FAQs.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
9/23/22 v2 Information for people exposed to COVID-19 (English)COVID-19:
Summary Instructions for Close Contacts (General Public)
For detailed instructions for general public and other settings, scan the QR code or visit
ph.lacounty.gov/ covid contacts.
If you have questions or need assistance, call the COVID Call Center 1-833-540-0473,
open daily 8:00am–8:30pm.
Summary of Quarantine Instructions
Quarantine means staying away from others in case you become infected.
• Quarantine can end after Day 5 if you do not have symptoms and a COVID-19 viral test collected on or
after Day 5 is negative. When you leave quarantine, you must wear a mask and monitor your health
through Day 10 (see instructions above).
• Quarantine can end after Day 10 if you do not test on or after Day 5 as long as you did not develop
symptoms.
Note: Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with the infected person.
When you are in quarantine, take precautions to protect others, including:
• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Do not have visitors.
• Separate yourself from others in your home. If you need to be in the same room as others:
o Wear a highly protective mask. See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for more information.
o Stay at least 6 feet away. It is important to stay away from people who are at higher risk of serious
illness.
o Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible. If it is safe to do so, open windows or use a fan
or an air conditioner. See the CDC's Improving Ventilation in Your Home webpage for more
information.
• Use a separate bathroom if possible. If not, disinfect the bathroom after each use.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
9/23/22 v2 Information for people exposed to COVID-19 (English)Employees with COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19:
Return to Work
The exclusion requirements below are for employees in non-high-risk settings. See Responding to COVID-19 in the
Workplace for the full DPH Guidelines.
Table 1: Exclusion and Return to Work Requirements for Employees with COVID-19 (Isolation)
Requirements for Persons with COVID-19 (Isolation) - Everyone identified as a COVID-19 case must
isolate, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms.
Infected healthcare personnel—see Work Restrictions for HCP with COVID-19.
Employee must be excluded from workplace for at least 5 days after the start of symptoms or after
date of first positive test if no symptoms.
• Isolation can end and employee may return to the workplace after Day 5* ONLY if all of the following
criteria are met:
1. A COVID-19 viral test** collected on Day 5 or later is negative, AND
2. No fever^ for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medicine, AND
3. Other symptoms are not present or are improving
--or--
• If an employee is unable or chooses not to test or if they continue to test positive on or after Day 5
isolation can end, and the employee may return to the workplace after Day 10* as long as they have
not had a fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medicine.
• If they do have a fever, isolation must continue, and the employee may not return to work until 24
hours after the fever resolves.
Generally, employers may determine if their employees/contractors with COVID-19 must complete the full 10
days of isolation before returning to work or if they may return to work after Day 5, if the criteria listed above
are met. Employees/contractors are advised to obtain information from their employer.
Employee must wear a highly protective mask around others for a total of 10 days after the positive test,
especially in indoor settings.
• Employers must provide—at no expense to the employee—well-fitting medical masks and well-fitting
respirators (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94).
• See Protect Yourself From COVID-19 in the Workplace: Know Your Mask Rights.
Employee must follow the full isolation instructions for people with COVID-19 at ph.lacounty.gov/
covidisolation.
Notes
*To count the days:
• For symptomatic employees: Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms developed.
• For employees without symptoms: Day 1 is the first full day after the positive test was collected.
**The test must be an FDA-authorized viral test such as an antigen or NAAT/PCR test. An antigen test is preferred.
Testing must be provided by the employer free of charge and during work hours. Self-administered and self-read
OTC tests are acceptable per Cal-OSHA if verification of the results, such as a time and date stamped photograph
of the result or an OTC test that uses digital reporting with time and date stamped results, is provided. For more
information see Cal-OSHA Testing FAQs.
^A fever is a measured body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
10/26/22 Employees with COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19Employees with COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19:
Return to Work
Table 2. Requirements for Employees that are Close Contacts [Non-Outbreak Setting1]
Requirements for Persons with Close Contact Exposure to Someone with COVID-19
These requirements apply to all asymptomatic employees in non-high-risk settings that are identified as close contacts,
regardless of vaccination status.
Exposed healthcare personnel—see Work Restrictions for Asymptomatic Healthcare Personnel with Exposures
Exposed employees in other high-risk settings-see Instructions for Close Contacts-High Risk Settings.
Employee must wear a highly protective mask around others for a total of 10 days* after their last close
contact. Employers must provide—at no expense to the employee— well-fitting medical masks and well-
fitting respirators (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94).
See Protect Yourself From COVID-19 in the Workplace: Know Your Mask Rights.
Employee must test** within 3-5 days* after their last close contact with the case unless they have recently
recovered from COVID-19.
• If they test positive, they must follow isolation requirements and workplace exclusions in Table 1.
Employee must monitor their health for 10 days*
If symptoms develop, the employee must stay home and be excluded from work pending the results of a
test.




If they test positive or their doctor diagnoses them with COVID-19, they must follow isolation
requirements and workplace exclusions in Table 1.
If the employee is unable to test or chooses not to test, exclusion must continue for 10 days.
If the employee tests negative and returns to work earlier than 10 days after the close contact, the
employee must wear a highly protective mask around others for 10 days following the close contact.
Note: CDPH recommends continuing exclusion and retesting in 1-2 days if testing negative with
an antigen test, particularly if tested during the first 1-2 days of symptoms.
For symptomatic employees who have tested positive within the previous 90 days, an antigen test is
preferred.
Notes
*Day 1 is the first full day after their last exposure
**The test must be an FDA-authorized viral test such as an antigen or NAAT/PCR test. Testing must be provided by
the employer free of charge and during work hours. For more information, see Cal-OSHA Testing FAQs.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
10/26/22 Employees with COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19EMERGENCY TEMPORARY STANDARD
FACT SHEET
Mini Respiratory Protection Program
What is the mini respiratory protection program?
The mini respiratory protection program (29 CFR 1910.504) is one part of the OSHA COVID-19 Healthcare
Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). It applies only to specific circumstances specified under the ETS, generally
when workers are not exposed to suspected or confirmed sources of COVID-19 but where respirator use could
offer enhanced worker protection. The mini respiratory protection program does not replace or substitute for
OSHA’s normal Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), which applies to:


Circumstances under the ETS when workers are exposed to suspected or confirmed sources of COVID-19.
Any other workplace hazards that might require respiratory protection (e.g., silica, asbestos, airborne
infectious agents such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Why is the mini respiratory protection program needed as part of the ETS?
The ETS addresses an emergency health crisis and the mini respiratory protection program is designed to improve
worker protections with limited provisions for the safe use of respirators that can be implemented more quickly
and easily than the more comprehensive respiratory protection program required by the Respiratory Protection
standard (e.g., medical evaluation, fit testing) (Table 1).
Table 1. Key requirements of the mini respiratory protection program vs. the respiratory
protection standard
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENT1
MINI RPP2
(1910.504)
NORMAL RPP3
(1910.134)
Medical Evaluation
Fit Testing
Written Program
User Seal Checks
Training
1 This is not a comprehensive list of required program elements
2 These are key requirements pertaining to employer-provided respirators (as opposed to worker-provided respirators)
3 For additional information about the Respiratory Protection standard’s requirements, see: NIOSH/OSHA’s “Hospital Respiratory Protection Program Toolkit Resources for
Respirator Program Administrators” at: www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3767.pdf
When must employers comply with the normal Respiratory Protection standard instead of the
mini respiratory protection program?
The mini respiratory protection program only applies to respirator use covered by specific provisions of the
ETS (Table 2). The normal Respiratory Protection standard is applicable to other respirator use required under the
ETS and to hazards not covered by the ETS for which respiratory protection is required.Table 2. Applicability of the mini respiratory protection program vs. the Respiratory Protection standard
MINI RPP
(1910.504)
COVID-19 ETS PROVISION
NORMAL
RPP
(1910.134)
1910.502(f)(2) – for exposure to person with suspected/confirmed COVID-19
1910.502(f)(3) – for AGP1 on person with suspected/confirmed COVID-19

1910.502(f)(4) – in place of facemask when respirator is not required
1910.502(f)(5) – for Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

1 AGP = aerosol-generating procedure (as defined by 1910.502)
What do employers need to do when workers provide their own respirators?
The employer must provide workers with a specific notice contained in 1910.504(c). The notice is intended to
inform workers to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard.
What do employers need to do when they provide respirators to workers?




Provide specific training (e.g., how to inspect/put on/remove/use a respirator; how to conduct a user seal
check; how to store/maintain/inspect a respirator).
Ensure that user seal checks are conducted for tight-fitting respirators and that workers correct any problems
discovered during a user seal check.
Ensure that if respirators are reused, they are reused properly.
Ensure the discontinuation of respirator use under certain conditions.
What is a user seal check?
A user seal check is a quick and easy way for workers to verify that they have put on their respirators correctly and
that the respirators are properly seated to the face. User seal checks are not a substitute for fit testing, but they
can improve the effectiveness of a respirator even when the respirator has not been fit tested. For additional
information on user seal checks, see OSHA’s training video at www.osha.gov/respiratory-protection/training and
CDC’s fact sheet at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2018-130/pdfs/2018-130.pdf.
How can I learn more about the COVID-19 ETS?
Visit OSHA’s COVID-19 rulemaking webpage at www.osha.gov/coronavirus/ets.
OSHA FS-4121 06 2021
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide information about the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires
employers to comply with safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. However, this Fact Sheet is not
itself a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations.
1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
|
TTY 1-877-889-5627
|
www.osha.govCalifornia Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Occupational Safety & Health
Publications Unit
S A F E T Y & H E A LT H
| FA C T S H E E T
Respiratory Protection
I
mproper use of respirators
can result in worker injury
and illness and can also result
in a Cal/OSHA enforcement
visit. Cal/OSHA’s regulation for
worker use of respirators is in
title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations (T8CCR), section
5144 and its appendices. The
standard details minimum
steps employers must take to
ensure safe and effective use of respirators in the workplace.
Section 5144 applies to all workplace respirator use. Many
substance-specific standards, such as lead, asbestos, and
carcinogens, also have additional respiratory protection
requirements (Firefighters: also see section 3409).
When should respirators be used?
Before resorting to respirator use and whenever feasible,
engineering controls (such as enclosure of the operation,
mechanical ventilation, or substitution with less toxic
material) must be used to reduce excessive airborne
contaminant exposures (also see section 5141). Respirators
should be used in the following circumstances:




when necessary to protect the health of employees;
during the time period necessary to install or implement
feasible controls;
where feasible controls fail to achieve full compliance; and
in reasonably foreseeable emergencies.
What do the mandatory elements of
a comprehensive respirator program
include?


Selected requirements in section 5144:







Written worksite-specific procedures that address the
following topics. See section 5144(c):◦




◦◦



selection of appropriate respirators;
medical evaluation of respirator users;
annual fit testing of tight-fitting respirators;
routine and emergency use;
schedules to clean, disinfect, store, inspect, maintain,
and repair respirators;
assurance of air quality, pressure, and volume
requirements for supplied air devices;
initial and annual employee training; and
regular program effectiveness review and evaluation
that includes changes in workplace conditions that
affect respirator use.
Qualified program administrator: required to
administer/oversee and evaluate the respiratory
protection program. See subsection (c)(3).
Atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or
health: specification of acceptable respirators and
precautions to be taken. See subsections (d)(2) and
(g)(3).
Filter end-of-service-life indicators: required for gas/
vapor air-purifying respirators, or the employer must
have data showing acceptable change-out times. See
subsection (d)(3)(C)2.
Employee medical evaluations: required prior to
first use of a respirator, as well as follow-up medical
examinations and opportunities for employees to
discuss their medical questionnaire results with the
administering health care provider. See subsection (e).
Powered air-purifying
respirators: required
to be provided to
employees unable
to wear a negative
pressure respirator for
medical reasons. See
subsection (e)(6)(B).
Annual fit testing
of tight-fitting
air-purifying
and supplied-air
respirators: acceptable A powered air-purifying respirator
methods of fit testing
are detailed in Appendix A. See subsection (f).
Face piece-face seal checks: must be performed by
the user each time tight-fitting respirators are put on,
as specified in Appendix B1. See subsection (g)(1)(C).
Annual employee training: employees must be able
to demonstrate knowledge and skills specific to
the hazards in their particular workplace, including
emergency use of respirators, their respirator
limitations, and how to properly wear, store, and
maintain their respirators. See subsection (k).
Ongoing respirator program evaluation: including
periodic consultation with employees. See subsection (l).
(Continued on next page)◦



Voluntary use of
respirators: provisions
where employees are not
required to use respirators
but choose to do so,
and doing so does not
in itself create a hazard.
See subsection (c)(2) and
Appendix D.
Breathing air quality:
provisions for ensuring
air source quality for
supplied-air respirators. See A supplied-air respirator
subsection (i).
Maintenance and care of respirators: provisions made
to clean, disinfect, store, inspect and repair respirators
used by employees. See subsection (h).
Filters, cartridges, and canisters: provisions for
ensuring they are labeled and color-coded with the
NIOSH-approved labels and the labels remain legible
and are not removed. See subsection (j).
How can employers access the standards
and obtain additional information?
This fact sheet only provides an overview, so you need to refer
to section 5144 for the details:
www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5144.html



Appendix A: www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5144a.html
Appendix B1: www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5144b_1.html
Appendix D: www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5144d.html
Further assistance on general respiratory protection in the
workplace and respiratory protection resources specifically for
health care providers, emergency responders, construction
workers, firefighters, etc., may be obtained from the
organizations listed below.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Occupational
Health Branch:
• General Resources: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/
DEODC/OHB/Pages/RespLinks.aspx
• Resources for Health Care: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/
CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/Pages/HCResp.aspx
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH), a unit of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that
provides extensive information on all occupational safety and
health hazards:
• For Respirator Users: www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respusers.
html
• Workplace Safety & Health Topics – Respirators:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/respirators/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
• Safety & Health Topics - Respiratory Protection:
www.osha.gov/SLTC/respiratoryprotection/index.html
• Respiratory Protection eTool:
www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/
• FAQ: www.osha.gov/qna.pdf
• Small Entity Compliance Guide: www.osha.gov/
Publications/3384small-entity-for-respiratory-protection-
standard-rev.pdf
All Cal/OSHA Regulations:
www.dir.ca.gov/samples/search/query.htm
Cal/OSHA Publications: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/PubOrder.asp
• Respiratory Protection in the Workplace:
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/respiratory.pdf.
• Model Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) for
High Hazard Employers: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_
publications/IIPP-Model-high-hazard.pdf.
Small Entity Compliance Guide for
the Respiratory Protection Standard
OSHA 3384-09 2011
Rev. Nov. 2019
For assistance regarding this subject matter, employers may contact
Cal/OSHA Consultation Services at: 1-800-963-9424 or [email protected]
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.htmlFiltering out Confusion:
Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection
User Seal Check
Over 3 million United States employees in approximately 1.3
million workplaces are required to wear respiratory protection.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
(29 CFR 1910.134) requires an annual fit test to confirm the
fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on the wearer’s face
before it is used in the workplace.1 Once a fit test has been done
to determine the best respirator model and size for a particular
user, a user seal check should be done every time the respirator
is to be worn to ensure an adequate seal is achieved.
What is a User Seal Check?
A user seal check is a procedure conducted by the respirator wearer to determine if the respirator is being proper-
ly worn. The user seal check can either be a positive pressure or negative pressure check.
During a positive pressure user seal check, the respirator user exhales gently while blocking the paths for air to
exit the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece is slightly pressurized before increased pressure causes
outward leakage.
During a negative pressure user seal check, the respirator user inhales sharply while blocking the paths for air to
enter the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece collapses slightly under the negative pressure that is
created with this procedure.
A user seal check is sometimes referred to as a fit check. A user seal check should be completed each time the
respirator is donned (put on). It is only applicable when a respirator has already been successfully fit tested on the
individual.
How do I do a User Seal Check while Wearing a Filtering Facepiece
Respirator?
Not every respirator can be checked using both positive and negative pressure. Refer to the manufacturer’s in-
structions for conducting user seal checks on any specific respirator. This information can be found on the box or
individual respirator packaging.
The following positive and negative user seal check procedures for filtering facepiece respirators are provided as
examples of how to perform these procedures.How to do a positive pressure user seal check
Once the particulate respirator is properly donned, place your hands over the facepiece, covering as much surface
area as possible. Exhale gently into the facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure
is being built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. Examples of such
evidence would be the feeling of air movement on your face along the seal of the facepiece, fogging of your glass-
es, or a lack of pressure being built up inside the facepiece.
If the particulate respirator has an exhalation valve, then performing a positive pressure check may be impossible.
In such cases, a negative pressure check should be performed.
How to do a negative pressure user seal check
Negative pressure seal checks are typically conducted on particulate
respirators that have exhalation valves. To conduct a negative pressure
user seal check, cover the filter surface with your hands as much as pos-
sible and then inhale. The facepiece should collapse on your face and
you should not feel air passing between your face and the facepiece.
In the case of either type of seal check, if air leaks around the nose, use
both hands to readjust the nosepiece by placing your fingertips at the
top of the metal nose clip. Slide your fingertips down both sides of the
metal strip to more efficiently mold the nose area to the shape of your
nose. Readjust the straps along the sides of your head until a proper
seal is achieved.2
If you cannot achieve a proper seal due to air leakage, you may need to
be fit tested for a different respirator model or size.
Can a user seal check be considered a substitute for a fit testing?
No. The user seal check does not have the sensitivity and specificity to replace either fit test methods, qualitative
or quantitative, that are accepted by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.134). A user should only wear respirator models with
which they have achieved a successful fit test within the last year. NIOSH data suggests that the added care from
performing a user seal check leads to higher quality donnings (e.g., reduces the chances of a donning with a poor
fit).3
Where can I Find More Information?
This information and more is available on the NIOSH Respirator Trusted-Source webpage.
References
1. OSHA [1998]. Respiratory Protection. 29 CFR 1910.134. Final rule. Fed Regist 63:1152-1300.
2. NIOSH [2010]. How to properly put on and take off a disposable respirator. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Insitute for
Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-133 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-133/pdfs/2010-133.pdf
3. Viscusi DJ, Bergman MS, Zhuang Z, and Shaffer RE [2012]. Evaluation of the benefits of the user seal check on N95 filtering facepiece respirator fit. J Occup and Evironl Hyg. 9(6):408-416.
Photos courtesy of NIOSH
This document is in the public domain
and may be freely copied or reprinted.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2018130
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2018-130
To receive NIOSH documents or more information about occupational safety and health topics, please
contact NIOSH:
Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636) TTY: 1–888–232–6348 CDC INFO: www.cdc.gov/
info or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/NIOSH.
For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting www.cdc.gov/niosh/
eNews.CRITICAL SUPPLY LIST
ItemSpecification
Hand SanitizerAt least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Face coveringsDisposable - 2 boxes per staff
Management Notes
Required in accordance to LACDPH/CDPH guidelines
Cloth - 2 per student
Tissues
Needed for support of healthy hygiene
DisinfectantMust be on the EPA List NAvailability AirX-44, Spray N Go, AirX-75, Champion Spray
Disinfectant, ECO-23
Spray Bottles32 ozFor use with RTU disinfectant and concentrate disinfectant
Secondary containment
labels
To label the extra bottles used for disinfectant
Pressurized spray bottles1.5-2 L pump or batteryFor use with Spray N Go or ECO-23
Disposable body suitSizes M - XXLFor disinfection incident container
BootiesDisposable to cover shoesFor disinfection incident container
Disposable Nitrile or latex
GlovesSizes M-XLPPE required for disinfectant cleaner
GogglesEye protection, need style to go
over prescription glassesPPE required for disinfectant cleaner
N95 disposable respiratorFor disinfection container, user must sign form allowing use
Acrylic desk guardsTo be used at front desk counters or where 6’ distancing
cannot be accomplished
Signage
8.5”x11” laminated signage
Restroom sinks, face mask, drinking fountain usage, 6’
distancing, out of service, occupancy, slow the spread,
symptoms, entry questionnaire
Painters tapeFor use on floors as directional instruction and to mark off
desks / tables
Thermal scannerTo take temperature without contact for daily symptom
monitoring
Face shieldsFor teacher and nurse use
Hand soapFor continual hand washing
Soap dispensersHave extra on hand to replace and keep soap readily
available
Filters for HVAC
Merv – 13 recommended
Needs to be changed out quarterly
Large bagsTo limit sharing specifically used by students (sped ed)
Personnel & sub personnelTo implement disinfection and monitoring procedures
At-Home COVID-19 Test
KitsTest Kits single or 2-packTest kits to hand out to students after exposure
Clinical COVID-19 TestBinaxNow Clinical 40 per boxTest kits for Health Office
Rev. 8/7/22
Page 1 of 1