ALAMEDA COUNTY – Alameda County’s top health official on Friday issued blanket orders for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results to isolate at home.
The orders, which replace individualized legal orders, empower health care providers to issue standardized isolation and quarantine instructions to anyone with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19, as well as their “close contacts,” according to a county news release.
The county said close contacts are individuals who live or have stayed in the same household, are intimate sexual partners, or have provided care without wearing a mask, gown or gloves.
“These orders are a necessary next step and work in hand-in-hand with the shelter-in-place order to help slow COVID-19’s spread, protect vulnerable individuals, and prevent the healthcare system in Alameda County from being overwhelmed,” said Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan in a statement.
According to the county, health care providers and labs that conduct COVID-19 testing are still required to report positive results to the agency, which will monitor the individuals and their close contacts for symptoms and compliance with the blanket orders.
“If you test positive, your health care provider will instruct you on isolation and give you guidance to share with close contacts who must quarantine,” Pan said.
“The Public Health Department will follow up with you to ensure you are following the orders,” she continued. “For the county to experience the full benefit of the shelter-in-place order, it is critical for every person to fully comply to protect their health and the safety of their loved ones.”
The county did not immediately respond to a message seeking information about how violations of the orders would be handled.
As of Friday, there were 443 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths in the county.
Check back for updates.
