Gov. Gavin Newsom has released a state "employer playbook" that will assist employers with in-depth guidance to navigate reopening and responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace, the county Joint Information Center said in a release.

The playbook includes detailed information to support employers with identifying cases, communicating about positive cases to their employees and implementing strategies for preventing further spread. Employers are encouraged to read the document which can be found below.

“Every business owner should be armed with all the information they need to develop a work environment that helps to protect employees and customers,” Humboldt County Public Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said. “It has been incredibly important to have our business partners working collaboratively with us when cases have occurred in the workplace. This cooperation has typically helped us prevent larger outbreaks, which can have a significant impact on both the business and the community at-large.”

The document, however, does not replace previously issued industry guidance and should only act as a guide. Businesses should continue to submit their business Rdeopening Plan to the Humboldt Office of Emergency Services with detailed site-specific safety measures.

Read the full release below.

July 24, 2020 - State ‘Employer Playbook’ Assists Businesses Prepare for and Respond to COVID-19

California Governor Gavin Newsom today announced in-depth guidance for employers to reopen safely and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.

The “COVID-19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening” includes detailed information to support employers in identifying cases, communicating about positive cases to other workers and implementing strategies to prevent further spread. This document also provides the most recent protocol for ill employees to return to work safely. Employers are urged to read the document in full at files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/employer-playbook-for-safe-reopening—en.pdf.

The state guidance also encourages businesses to report positive cases to Public Health directly to increase the effectiveness of contact tracing, and work closely with local health officials to contain potential outbreaks. Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said businesses play a key role in both prevention and containment of COVID-19.

“Every business owner should be armed with all the information they need to develop a work environment that helps to protect employees and customers,” Dr. Frankovich said. “It has been incredibly important to have our business partners working collaboratively with us when cases have occurred in the workplace. This cooperation has typically helped us prevent larger outbreaks, which can have a significant impact on both the business and the community at-large.”

This document supplements, but does not replace, previously issued industry guidance. All businesses should submit a Business Reopening Plan based on that guidance to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services that outlines site-specific safety measures to protect the health and safety of workers and customers.

To learn more and submit a Business Reopening Plan, visit humboldtgov.org/covidreopening. For questions about business reopening plans, call 707-411-5000 or email [email protected].