New return-to-work process: Make sure you have COVID test kits on hand

PROVIDENCE OREGON – Based on updated COVID prevention guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have updated our testing and return-to-work process, effective Thursday, Oct. 20.

Updated testing and return-to-work process

Caregivers with COVID symptoms will continue to test at home. They can report the results online or call caregiver health services at 949-534-4450.

Here’s an overview of the changes:

• Caregivers with a high-risk exposure who don’t have symptoms will also need to report to caregiver health at 949-534-4450, and get instructions on testing and returning to work. To continue working, most caregivers will need to test regularly over several days. High-risk exposures include instances at work, home or in the community, where the caregiver was exposed to someone with COVID for more than 15 minutes, at a distance of less than 6 feet, and:
  • Caregiver was not wearing an N95 respirator. (Or, if the caregiver was wearing a facemask, the person with COVID was not wearing a cloth mask or facemask).
  • Caregiver was not wearing eye protection if the person with COVID was not wearing a cloth mask or facemask.
  • Caregiver was not wearing all recommended PPE (i.e., gown, gloves, eye protection, respirator) while present in the room for an aerosol-generating procedure.
• Caregivers who test positive for COVID may have additional testing and return-to-work requirements, if they are hospitalized for severe infection or if they are immunocompromised.
• Caregivers who return to work with a masking requirement may have the option of wearing a level-3 mask, unless an N95 respirator is required for their role.

Learn more

Review the complete guide for COVID testing and returning to work.