Stronger Together - Recovery and Reopening Schools | Santa Clara County Office of Education

End of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency and the Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19

With the end of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023 and the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 on May 11, 2023, the California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS), along with its Departments and Offices, is providing Californians with information about various programs and services affected, including flexibilities and other policy changes.

In California, COVID-19 response efforts remain a public health priority even though the State of Emergency is ending. The state’s SMARTER Plan, which looks at where the state has been and draws on lessons learned from our collective experiences, will ensure a level of operational preparedness to support communities and appropriately respond to future outbreaks.

SCCOE will continue updating this page as needed to provide information from community partners.

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Latest News

Updates & Resources

05/24/23 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Guidance for Local Health Jurisdictions on Isolation and Quarantine of the General Public

Updates effective May 23, 2023:

Replaces COVID-19 Guidance for Face Masking with Get the Most Out of Masking
Replaces AFL 22-13 with CDC Infection Control Recommendations

The CDC reminds Californians that COVID-19 remains an ongoing public health challenge and critical tools to fight COVID-19 remain available to everyone at low or no cost. This includes access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment. Visit MyTurn to find services in your area. Treatment is available through providers and some pharmacies. Individuals who are uninsured or can't get timely treatment can call 833-686-5051 or visit sesamecare.com/covidca

Visit the California Health and Human Services website for additional information.

Stay Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

Everyone aged 6 years and older should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date.
People aged 65 years and older may get a 2nd dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Children aged 6 months–5 years may need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of doses they’ve previously received and their age.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.

If you do not have a healthcare provider or health insurance, you can still get tested, vaccinated, and treated for free. Find a Clinic

Updated Isolation Guidelines for Employees from CDPH

Can now leave isolation after Day 5 is the individual is well with no symptoms, or symptoms are mild or improving and are fever free for 24 hours.
Removes recommendation to test in order to leave isolation.
Employees are expected to wear a mask 10 days after exposure to COVID-19 and through day 10 after returning from a positive case.

All employers must:

Provide and ensure use of face coverings during outbreaks and major outbreaks.
Provide and ensure use of face coverings when employees return to work after having COVID-19 until 10 days have passed since the date that COVID-19 symptoms began or, if the person did not have COVID-19 symptoms, from the date of their first positive COVID-19 test, or after a close contact.

For more information and guidance on isolation and quarantine, visit the latest CDPH Guidance.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine Near You

My COVID-19 Vaccine Record

You can now access a digital copy of your vaccination record if you got vaccinated in California. The digital version or the card you were given at the time of your vaccination are valid for proof of vaccination.

Get your COVID-19 Vaccine Record

COVID-19 Testing Resources

Where to get Testing Kits

As of June 1, 2023, ordering free testing kits through USPS.com and COVIDtests.gov programs have been suspended and are no longer accepting orders.

At-home tests are available for sale around the U.S. Check local retailers and pharmacies to locate availability.
Take your MediCal or Medicare Card to the prescription drop-off counter at a pharmacy for 8 free tests.
Check with your insurance plan for 8 free (or reimbursed) at-home tests per month.
No-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured - search for a location.

At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kits Expired? Check Again

The California Department of Public Health endorses the emergency use of over-the-counter COVID-19 Tests beyond their FDA-authorized expiration.

An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.

Check if the expiration date for your at-home OTC COVID-19 test kits has been extended.

Additional Testing Resources

Testing Framework for K–12 Schools for the 2022–2023 School Year - California

This document aims to inform California's K-12 schools of COVID-19 testing strategies for the 2022-2023 school year. It is intended to support planning processes for safe in-person learning, as disease management is an essential priority to maintain student well-being and development.

Updates as of May 23, 2023:
References to CDC COVID-19 Community Levels (retired on May 11, 2023) have been replaced with references to California COVID-19 data sources.

www.cdph.ca.gov

If you feel sick: Test! Test again 1-2 days later if the first test is negative.*

Even if you DON'T feel sick, test in the following situations:

After Exposure:	Test when you find out AND repeat testing every 2 days for a total of 3 tests.
After Travel or Large Gathering:	Test when you return AND repeat testing every 2 days for a total of 3 tests.
BEFORE events or visiting:	Take a test just before events or visiting high-risk people (elderly or people with weakened immunity).

* CDPH Isolation and Quarantine | ** CDC Travel Guidance | *** CDPH Updated Testing Guidance

Masking - Tips & resources

Regardless of the COVID-19 community levels, CDPH recommends wearing a mask:

Around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat),
If you’ve had significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 days.
If you test positive for COVID-19, see guidance for mask-wearing in the CDPH Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine of the General Public.

Consider wearing a mask in indoor crowded indoor public settings that may have poor ventilation, areas of public transportation, and transportation hubs. When choosing to wear a mask, ensure your mask provides the best fit and filtration (respirators like N95, KN95, and KF94 are best).

* CAL OSHA still requires employees who are in close contact to test within 3-5 days and wear a mask for 10 days.

COVID-19 Public Health Resources

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department works to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy lifestyles, create healthy environments, and advocate for policy and systems changes that advance department priorities.

Public Health Orders SCC PHD FAQ Free Vaccinations Free Testing

Latest Resources from the California Department of Public Health to protect and improve the health of all Californians.

12/6/22: COVID-19 Treatments Q&A Sheet
12/6/22: Who Should Take COVID-19 Treatments?

CDPH K-12 Guidance 2022-23 School Year Covid Variants When to Mask Free Mask Locator

The official website for California’s COVID-19 Response with a hub for key resources and information related to COVID-19 and schools.

Safe Schools for All Hub 2022-23 K-12 School Guidance & Testing Framework Safely Reopening California

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, protects and improves the health and safety of working men and women in California and the safety of passengers riding on elevators, amusement rides, and tramways.

COVID-19 Guidance & Resources COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations COVID-19 FAQs

Food Distribution Resources for Youth

There are a variety of free or reduced price food programs to help children and families who have been impacted by COVID-19. Many services are available to all community members regardless of insurance status, ability to pay, or immigration status.

City of San Jose

Second Harvest Food Bank

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

Find a Food Bank

@svstrongfood

California COVID-19

Education Case and Contact Reporting

Please review the Santa Clara County Case and Contact Guidance to report each diagnosed case of COVID-19 in a child or student attending your site and for each diagnosed case of COVID-19 in a staff member working at your site. For more information on when to use the SPOT portal for outbreak tracking and instructions for filling out the form, click here

Santa Clara County School Portal for Outbreak Tracking (SPOT)

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COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Schools