Breaking News from the CDC

Below are changes as of November 16, 2020

• Public health recommendations have been updated to accommodate new scientific evidence, evolving epidemiology, and the need to simplify the assessment of risk. Updated recommendations are based on:
  • Growing evidence of transmission risk from infected people without symptoms (asymptomatic) or before the onset of recognized symptoms (pre-symptomatic);
  • Ongoing community transmission in many parts of the country;
  • A need to communicate effectively to the general public;
  • Continued focus on reducing transmission through social distancing and other personal prevention strategies.

• Combined “Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19” and “COVID-19 Critical Infrastructure Sector Response Planning” documents to consolidate and clarify this information.
• Clarified that reintegrating exposed critical infrastructure workers who are not experiencing any symptoms and have not tested positive back into onsite operations should be used as a last resort and only in limited circumstances, such as when cessation of operation of a facility may cause serious harm or danger to public health or safety.
• Added that employers are encouraged to work with state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) public health officials to determine the safest way to reintegrate exposed workers who are not experiencing any symptoms and have not tested positive back into onsite operations.
• Clarified that all workers should wear a cloth mask in accordance with CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance and any state or local requirements.