Download pdf: 01-2020(CC) – California Department of Public Health Advises Schools to Exclude Travelers Returning from China for 14 days (SHS)

Following guidance recently issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC),[1] the California Department of Public Health is advising all schools and school districts to exclude from school any child or staff member that traveled to mainland China and returned on or after February 3, 2020, for a period of 14 calendar days following their return from China. Travelers arriving from China prior to February 3, 2020, are at lower risk for the virus and do not need to be excluded.

This is a rapidly evolving issue, and guidance may change.

For LEAs in Sonoma County, please direct all inquiries regarding the risks of novel coronavirus to Dr. Celeste Philip at the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.[2] For LEAs outside of Sonoma County, please contact your local county office of public health.

This guidance has implications for staff sick leave and student medical absences. If you have any questions about this or any other legal issue, feel free to contact our office.

The information in this Legal Update is provided as a summary of law and is not intended as legal advice. Application of the law may vary depending on the particular facts and circumstances at issue. We, therefore, recommend that you consult legal counsel to advise you on how the law applies to your specific situation.

[1] See CDC Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings, online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html (as of February 5, 2020).

[2] You can contact Dr. Philip at Celeste.Philip@sonoma-county.org.

Legal Update Memo No. 01-2020 – California Department of Public Health Advises Schools to Exclude Travelers Returning from China for 14 days to Prevent Spread of Novel Coronavirus (CCD)

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