Updated workplace exposure notification process

January 12, 2021

Dear Campus Community:

This is a timely message regarding the campus’s obligations to provide information about COVID-19 positive tests.  

As we previously communicated, we have created a public COVID-19 Workplace Exposure Dashboard to provide the locations and dates of potential COVID-19 exposures on campus property during the last two weeks. Whenever we receive notice of a COVID-19 positive case occurring on campus property, the case location dashboard will be updated with that information.

In addition, in compliance with Assembly Bill 685 and other regulations, an email notification will be sent to all campus employees, exclusive unions representatives and employers of subcontractors on campus of potential exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. 

This notification of potential exposure previously was included with an email reminder to complete the daily symptom screener. Going forward, however, the notification of potential exposure will be a separate email. The notification will direct employees to check the Workplace Exposure Dashboard for information on the specific worksite location of the potential exposure.  

Note that AB 685 also requires the campus to provide notice to all unions of any employee (including those not represented by a union) who tested positive for COVID-19 and who worked at campus facilities, and to provide the name, job title, date of onset of illness and location of the worksite. Employees may request that their names not be included in such notifications so long as such a request is voluntary and independent. If you do not want your identity to be disclosed in this union notification, you must complete this form.  

If you choose not to respond, per AB 685 requirements, your name and job title will be disclosed to the unions if you are a campus employee and tested positive for COVID-19 and worked at campus facilities. AB 685 mandates the disclosure to union representatives unless the employee specifically indicates that they do not want their information shared. Our expectation is that all persons receiving any mandated information safeguard such information with appropriate confidentiality and security, and the campus will be working with union representatives in this regard.

Please note that this dashboard and notifications are separate from contact tracing, which remains unchanged. There is no need to contact University Health Services Occupational Health after receiving these email notifications. Anyone determined to be a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 (as defined by COVID-19 contact tracing guidelines) will be contacted directly by the UHS Contact Tracing Team and provided appropriate instructions.

With COVID-19 widespread in the community, it should come as no surprise that some individuals working on campus have tested positive for COVID-19. You should assume that anyone you encounter — whether it be at work, in the grocery store, or even friends and family — could be infected with COVID-19 and take appropriate precautions. This is why it is so important to wear a face covering, maintain 6 feet of physical distance, wash your hands frequently, get tested regularly and opt-in to exposure notifications from CA Notify.

We encourage you to stay informed about the virus by viewing our COVID-19 resources and support webpage.

Sincerely,

Patrick Goff
Executive Director, EH&S

Erika Schwilk, M.D.
Chief of Occupational Health, University Health Services

This message was sent to faculty and staff.

Vice Chancellor, Administration