COVID-19

• 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 test and/or quarantine as needed.
• 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.
• You do not need to have a negative test or a letter from Public Health to return to work or school.

• You can go back to your usual activities when your home isolation ends (see box above) including returning to work and/or school.
• Continue to practice physical distancing (stay 6 feet away from others) and to wear a mask when you are in public settings where other people are present.

• 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.

• If you need to be in the same room as other people, set it up 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.
• Use a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, disinfect the bathroom after use (see cleaning information below).
• Open windows or use a fan or an air conditioner in shared spaces in the home.
• Do not allow non-essential visitors.
• Do not handle pets or other animals.
  Anyone who continues to be in close contact with you will need to stay in quarantine for longer (see Quarantine and Other Instructions for close contacts).

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth when you must be around other people in your own home. This includes people who are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19. If possible, wear a mask with least 3 layers, such a surgical mask.
• If you are not able to wear a mask, then people who live with you should avoid being in the same room with you if possible. If they must enter the room you are in, they should wear a mask to protect themselves. If possible, they should wear a respirator (N95) or wear a double mask (a cloth mask over a surgical mask). After leaving the room, they should immediately clean their hands, then remove the mask and clean their hands again.
• Use masks with caution with children. Infants and children under the age of 2 should not wear masks. Most children between the ages of 2 and 8 can safely wear a mask but must be supervised by an adult. A mask should not be placed on anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help. See Who should not wear a mask for more information.
• See Masks for more information.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can after each use. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you cough or sneeze.

• Do not prepare or serve food to others, if possible.
• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
• Make sure to wash your dishes, drinking glasses, and eating utensils with soap and water after each use.

• 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.
• 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.

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces e.g. counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
• Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have body fluids on them.
• Use household cleaning and disinfectant sprays or wipes. Be sure to follow the product label instructions.
• If caregivers and household contacts clean or come into contact with your body fluids or secretions (such as sweat, saliva, sputum, nasal mucus, vomit, urine, or diarrhea) they should wear a disposable facemask and gloves. After cleaning, they should remove and dispose of their gloves first, clean their hands, then remove and dispose of their facemask, and clean their hands again.

See cleaning instructions in Preventing the spread of respiratory illness in the home.