On April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for discontinuing home isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The CDC also issued guidance on April 8, 2020, for what essential workers should do following exposure to COVID-19.

CDC Guidance for Essential Workers Who Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, the CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.

Critical Infrastructure workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to and during their work shift:

• Pre-screen—Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the facility, and symptoms should be assessed prior to starting work.
• Self-monitor—As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program.
• Wear a mask—The employee should wear a face mask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings in the event of shortages.
• Social distance—The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.
• Disinfect and clean work spaces—Clean and disinfect all workspaces and shared electronic equipment routinely.

CDC Guidance for Employers of Essential Workers Who Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
If the employee becomes sick during the day, they should be sent home immediately. Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected. Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and two days prior to symptoms should be compiled. Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed.

Employers should implement the recommendations in the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Additional information about identifying critical infrastructure during COVID-19 can be found on the DHS CISA website or the CDC’s specific First Responder Guidance page.

Refer to the below guidance flyer for details and important links.

CDC GUIDANCE FOR DISCONTINUING HOME ISOLATION AND DEALING WITH AN EXPOSURE TO COVID-19