Business Resources
Businesses Navigating COVID-19
We here at Public Health appreciate all of the changes businesses have had to make throughout this pandemic. As guidelines keep changing, we are here to help you navigate the changes. Below you will find resources for businesses in Del Norte County to use to navigate keeping your business open during the pandemic and keeping both employees and the customers you serve safe.
Positive Employees
What Businesses Should Do When An Employee Tests Positive
Cal/OSHA Resources
COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards FAQ - January 28, 2022
COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards FAQ - Isolation & Quarantine
COVID-19 Educational Materials
COVID-19 Model Prevention Program | Spanish
Reporting Outbreaks
AB 685 is a California law that requires employers to notify employees/workers who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and report workplace outbreaks to the local health department. A workplace outbreak is defined when an employer identifies 3 or more cases of COVID-19 at a worksite within a 14-day period. The employer is required to report this to their local health department within 48 hours. Businesses can report outbreaks in the following ways:
During Business Hours:
8:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 707-464-0861
Fax: 707-465-6701
Email: dnphreport@dnco.org
After Hours:
Phone: 707-464-3191
Fax: 707-465-6701
Email: dnphreport@dnco.org
Businesses can utilize the following COVID Outbreak Reporting Form.xlsx to report specifics and email it to Public Health.
FAQs for Businesses
Q: Do I need to close my business if an employee was at work while contagious?
A: Not necessarily, no. A business may close temporarily to clean and disinfect the areas or because employees need to quarantine. The number of employees who need to quarantine and the number you need to operate your business will determine if you need to shut down.
Q: Should I contact Del Norte County Public Health if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?
A: If you have one employee positive with COVID-19, you do not need to contact Public Health. You only have to contact Public Health if 3 or more employees test positive in a 2 week period, which is considered an outbreak. If you have questions or need assistance walking through a situation, you may call us at 707-464-0861.
Q: If an employee tests positive but isn't sick, can they still come to work?
A: No. Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccine status or symptoms, needs to isolate for the appropriate amount of time.
Q: Do I have to notify my employees if one of my employees tests positive?
A: In some cases, yes. Employers should provide written notification to employees who were at the worksite at the same time as the infected employee while they were contagious.
Q: Should I require employees to provide a doctor's note or positive COVID-19 tests result?
A: No, employers should not require sick employees to provide a positive test result or a letter to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.
Q: I don't provide paid sick leave to my employees. What should I do?
A: Employers that do not currently offer sick leave to some or all of their employees may want to draft non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies. The state law requiring employers with 25 or more workers to offer up to 80 hours of supplemental paid leave for COVID expired in September, but supplemental COVID sick leave may return in 2022. Employees can refer to the EDD website.
Q: Do I have to clean my facility if one of my employees tests positive?
A: Yes, perform more frequent cleaning and disinfecting, as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting after employees with COVID-19 have been at work.
Other Resources for Businesses
Employee & Workplace Guidance (CDPH)
COVID-19 & the Workplace (CDPH- Occupational Health Branch)
Safer at Work Resources (CDPH)
You can also sign up to receive alerts for updates for California state public health officer orders and public health mandates related to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
