Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Stay up-to-date with the latest information
and guidance regarding County of Riverside employees.

General Information

The guidance provided below is based on the information we have about COVID-19 and its presence in Riverside County at this time. The situation is fluid and the general advice provided below as to how to handle issues that arise may as a result of the virus may change. Please ensure that you are reviewing the most recent version of this document. If you encounter an unusual circumstance or your specific circumstance is not addressed below, please contact your supervisor or manager for direction.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Individuals affected with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Preventing Transmission

It is advised that everyone clean their hands often by washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or in the absence of soap and water apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol. If hands are visibly dirty washing them with soap and water is preferred.

Support

Resources

Riverside University Health System - Public Health

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California

Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19

Interim Guidance for Protecting Health Care Workers from Exposure to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

CDC Travel Guidance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Latest News

COVID-19 Update, Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) (1/18/2023)

As you are aware, the 2022 COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) Law expired on December 31, 2022. As a result, employees are no longer able to record this leave on their timesheets unless they met the eligibility criteria on December 31, 2022.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 6 (10/05/2022)

On September 29, 2022 the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 152, which immediately extends the 2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) through December 31, 2022. AB 152 extends the obligations and entitlements of California’s 2022 COVID-19 SPSL only to December 31, 2022. It does not provide an additional or new leave bank for employees or otherwise create new obligations for the County.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 5 (09/26/2022)

COVID-19 updates as they relate to Supplemental Paid Sick (SPSL) Leave and mandated testing in health care, high-risk congregate settings (e.g., homeless shelters and correctional facilities), and other health care settings.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 4 (03/18/2022)

On April 21, 2022, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board voted to approve the third readoption of the Cal/ OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). The third readoption makes some changes to the ETS previously in effect. This amended ETS will take effect on May 6, 2022 and per the Governor’s prior Executive Order, this version of the ETS will remain in effect until December 31, 2022. Cal/OSHA intends to post a new FAQ section to support this revised ETS within the coming days. Departments who are under the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) regulations continue to be covered under the ATD and should continue to adhere to those regulations as required.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 3 (02/26/2022)

On February 9, Governor Newson signed Senate Bill 114(SB 114), which created new Labor Code Sections or work. 248.6 and 248.7 and mandates that public and private employers with 25 or more employees provide up The County maintains its goal of getting as many people vaccinated as possible. As such, the County to a total of 80 hours of Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for COVID related absences in addition to paid time continues to allow employees who are already at work (as opposed to employees on vacation or sick off benefits employees receive by law or policy.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 2 (02/15/2022)

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirement for universal masking indoors regardless of vaccination status expires February 15, 2022. On February 16, 2022, the CDPH will revert back to the pre-December 15, 2021 requirements for the use of face coverings . That is, universal masking shall remain required regardless of vaccination status only in certain indoor settings such as healthcare, correctional facilities and detention centers, and other settings as outlined by the CDPH Guidance.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 3, Issue 1 (01/10/2022)

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated their guidance on the protocol for isolation and quarantine for members of the general population. Therefore, the Public Health Department has issued protocols to be followed if an employee has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case or tests positive for COVID-19. In addition, the Protocols for First Responders and Health Care Personnel (HCP) in Health Care Settings including Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care Facilities were also updated to align with the CDPH’s guidance.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 9 (12/14/2021)

COVID-19 is still present in our communities. As such, the County is providing updates on the following: face coverings, mega event testing requirements, and traveling.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 8 (7/26/2021)

In response to the updated guidance provided by Cal/OSHA on June 17, 2021, the Riverside County Department of Public Health issued updated COVID-19 Protocols effective July 21, 2021 for Count Workers, First Responders, and Health Care Personnel in General Acute Care and Acute Psychiatric Hospitals. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide additional clarity regarding the updated COVID-19 Protocols, as well as to further clarify face covering requirements and COVID-19 screening for County employees entering a County building or worksite.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 7 (6/18/2021)

With the reopening of the state of California on June 15, 2021, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has provided updated guidance regarding the impacts on employers for the foreseeable future. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide clarity regarding changes to the Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) that were voted on and approved on June 17, 2021.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 6 (6/14/2021)

As you may have heard, the state of California is anticipated to reopen on June 15th, 2021. With the reopening and various organizations (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) providing guidance it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused by all the information being disseminated. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide clarity

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 5 (5/20/2021)

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be deployed to employees and the public throughout Riverside County, questions have arisen regarding the continued use of face coverings for employees who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To ensure our employees continue to follow the state and County requirements, we are confirming the guidelines surrounding face coverings during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 4 (4/7/2021)

COVID-19 is still present in our communities. As such, the County is providing updates on the following: face coverings, mega event testing requirements, and traveling.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 3 (3/5/2021)

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated their guidance on the proper protocol for quarantine once a vaccination has been received. Therefore, the Public Health Department has updated the protocols in place to be followed if an employee, that has received the vaccination, has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 2 (2/18/2021)

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to select groups throughout Riverside County and questions have arisen regarding the continued use of face coverings after an employee has been vaccinated for COVID-19. To ensure our employees continue to follow the state and County requirements, we are confirming the guidelines surrounding face coverings during COVID-19 and how to proceed if you have been vaccinated.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 2, Issue 1 (1/28/2021)

COVID-19 is still present in our communities. As such, the County is providing several updates including: 1) Providing clarifying guidance regarding the laws associated with COVID-19 leaves, 2) Details about the updated Telecommuting Program, 3) Guidance regarding vaccinations, 4) and access to an updated Safety website related to COVID-19 concerns.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 16 (11/6/2020)

As the County continues to navigate and adapt to the ever-changing guidelines and laws concerning COVID-19 we are doing our utmost to ensure that we keep our employees as informed as possible. COVID-19 is still present in our communities and in an effort to provide more sustainable options going forward, the federal and state governments have recently released new guidelines pertaining to which workers are eligible for COVID leave, new Workers' Compensation guidelines and extended safety protocols pertaining specifically to COVID.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 15 (10/2/2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked our world in every aspect of our lives. All of us are continually adapting to changes in our lives that affect work, home, and school environments. These changes and their increasing duration can lead to added stress. The County of Riverside provides free employee assistance programs to employees and their dependents through Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 14 (9/1/2020)

Riverside County’s new coronavirus cases have been steadily decreasing over the past few weeks, resulting in fewer patients requiring hospitalization and intensive care. These decreases are attributed to the safety measures put in place to reduce the community spread of coronavirus. Actions like increasing telecommuting options, online services and wearing face coverings have helped to protect employees and residents alike.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 13a (8/5/2020)

As previously shared, the County closed many County facilities to the public on Monday, July 13, 2020. Accordingly, the County has updated the COVID-19 Guidance for Employees to specifically address the continued mandate for facial coverings per the County’s CEO and State directives, updated screening protocols at the entrance of County facilities, continued availability of subsidized childcare for essential workers, and Public Health protocols that provide steps that are to be followed if an employee has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 13b (7/10/2020)

As you are likely aware, COVID-19 is increasing in our communities as we reopened businesses and a variety of social type activities. On June 18, 2020, the State released a directive requiring the use of facial coverings for everyone when in areas where social distancing is not possible, such as places of employment, grocery stores, churches, etc.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 12 (5/16/2020)

On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, the County Executive Officer, George Johnson, enacted new guidelines in response to COVID-19 amidst the County’s efforts to reopen effective Monday, June 15, 2020. Human Resources has updated the COVID-19 Guidance for Employees to assist in understanding our response to the County’s reopening and the changes being put in place to ensure a successful transition. The additional guidelines specifically address mandated facial coverings and updated screening protocols.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 11 (6/4/2020)

On May 22, 2020, the California Department of Public Health approved the County’s request to reopen more businesses, as part of the governor’s accelerated phase two plan. In response, the County drafted a strategy to re-establish County services based on public health data, while simultaneously ensuring proper health and safety measures are in place for all employees and the public. Therefore, it has been determined that the County will re-open effective Monday, June 15, 2020.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 10 (5/28/2020)

Human Resources wishes for every member of the County family to stay healthy and safe. We will be providing regular updates to our County employees to keep everyone informed as to the latest guidance and recommendations regarding COVID-19 in the workplace.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 9 (5/19/2020)

As you know, COVID-19 event has created an ever-changing landscape of orders, challenges, adapting medical advice, etc. We need to be open-minded and understanding that our world will not be as predictable as we’ve come to know, but instead will speckle us with new challenges and obstacles. Our County Board of Supervisors, as well as political leaders throughout the state and federal levels, have been grappling with the next right steps. This is a complex set of issues and concerns, without any recent precedent as to navigating this situation in our modern society, wherein there has been ease of travel, congested cities, and numerous opportunities for crowded entertainment options.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 8 (4/30/2020)

The County responded quickly to the need to move employees out of the workplace to remote work locations. All departments have participated in telecommuting to protect employees, both those who remain in the workplace and those who have been assigned to work from home.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 7 (4/23/2020)

We know that COVID-19 has resulted in significant changes both at work and at home. Many of us are experiencing stress and anxiety during this time. County Human Resources Employee Assistance Services (EAS) and the Culture of Health programs are available for our employees.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 6 (4/16/2020)

Human Resources wishes for every member of the /County family to stay healthy and safe. We will be providing regular updates to our County employees to keep everyone informed as to the latest guidance and recommendations regarding COVID-19 in the workplace.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 5 (4/1/2020)

As a follow up to our previous COVID Update related to Childcare, we are pleased to report that on April 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order to provide expanded access to childcare for essential workers during the COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 4 (4/10/2020)

Our commitment to you remains unwavering and we’ll continue providing support and resources you need to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 3 (4/6/2020)

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 2 (3/4/2020)

Thank you for the great response to our childcare needs survey. While we were receiving your survey responses the County’s First 5 Riverside Team has been working hard to meet our childcare needs.

COVID-19 Update, Vol. 1, Issue 1 (3/31/2020)

Human Resources wishes for every member of the County family to stay healthy and safe. We will be providing regular updates to our County employees to keep everyone up to date on the latest guidance and recommendations regarding COVID-19 in the workplace.