Sites and Settings Associated with People Experiencing Homelessness
Under Title 17, Section 2500, California Code of Regulations all suspected outbreaks are reportable. COVID-19 outbreak definitions are determined based on risk of transmission in particular sites, and are as follows:
Congregate residential sites associated with PEH such as shelters, encampments, or recuperative care centers:
At least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents or staff
OR
A sudden increase of acute febrile respiratory illness (e.g., fever measured or reported as >100.4° F and either a cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath, etc.) in the setting of community transmission of COVID-19 with at least 3 Persons Under Investigation (PUI) in residents or staff within a 14-day period.
Of note: this definition includes the combination of 1 confirmed case with 2 PUIs or 2 confirmed cases with 1 PUI .
Outdoor congregate areas other than encampments (e.g., Safe Parking sites):
At least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents or staff from 3 different households within a 14-day period.
Semi-congregate or non-congregate residential sites associated with PEH such as Single Room Occupancy housing, Tiny Home Villages, Project Roomkey or Project Homekey housing or shelters for which the layout is discrete apartments:
At least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents or staff from 3 different households within a 14-day period.
Non-residential
sites providing homeless services such as hygiene
centers, food distribution centers, case management or
other access centers for services for PEH:
At least 3 confirmed cases
of COVID-19 in clients or staff within a 14-day period.
Medical shelters for isolation of persons diagnosed or suspected of COVID-19 or for quarantine of contacts (e.g., Isolation/Quarantine (IQ) sites):
At least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in staff within a 14-day period. Residents are not included in the outbreak definition because they are there specifically for isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19.
Mask PUI/confirmed case(s). Rapidly separate PUI or case whenever possible into a separate sick area that is isolated from the rest of the facility (ideally in an area with an accessible designated bathroom) or to a medical shelter site (IQ site). All PUIs should be tested for COVID-19.
PUI/cases who are staff should be directed to go home right away.
If ill person has severe symptoms, call 911. Notify emergency medical staff and the receiving healthcare facility of COVID-19 suspicion.
Follow Airborne Precautions in addition to Standard Precautions for all interactions:
In addition to the general definitions for close contacts, in high risk congregate settings, accurate exposure histories and contacts may be difficult to determine, and all residents may be considered exposed.
For all interactions with contacts:
Cases
Isolation Instructions for cases can be found here.
Contacts
Quarantine of close contacts is no longer required. Masking and testing instructions can be found here.
Staff
Work Considerations
Additional guidance and resources:
Additional guidance and resources:
Continuing new admissions/readmissions to shelters and PEH facilities while under initial assessments
Shelters and PEH sites under initial assessments may continue to accept new residents or readmissions depending on a number of factors. Consider closing the facility to admissions if any of the following are concerns:
Additional guidance and resources:
Patient refusal
Additional guidance and resources: