Hospital visitors in Santa Clarita and throughout California are set to need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before entering hospital facilities, with some exceptions, beginning Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Aug. 11, a California Public Health Officer Order is scheduled to take effect, only allowing people to make indoor hospital visits if they can show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their visit.
“While there is currently a significant increase in the community transmission of COVID-19 in California, vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective means of preventing further infections, transmission and outbreaks,” said the health officer’s order. “As we respond to the dramatic increase in cases, transmission prevention measures must be increased for the protection of the patients in the facilities referenced in this Order.”
The order applies to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and intermediate care facilities (ICFs).
However, there are some exceptions to the new requirements, according to officials.
See Related: L.A. County Employees Required To Get COVID-19 Vaccination By Oct. 1, Or Get Tested Weekly
Under the order, those visiting a patient in critical condition where death is a concern would not be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Additionally, those visiting patients outdoors would not need to be vaccinated or test negative for the coronavirus.
The CDPH’s list of acceptable ways to show proof of vaccination are listed here.
A negative test must be taken within 72 hours of a visit and needs to either have emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or be given out by a facility operating by the Laboratory Developed Test requirements by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
All visitors must wear a well-fitting face mask at all times when inside a hospital or other facility that falls under the health order, must physically distance themselves from anyone who is not a part of their group and wear any personal protective equipment required by a care facility.
“There have been over 4,000 outbreaks in residential care facilities, over 2,000 outbreaks in SNFs and over 450 outbreaks in hospitals in California to date,” the public health officer order said. ”Recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members, demonstrating the risk of unvaccinated persons in these settings.”
To learn how to make a vaccine appointment, what verifications you will need to show at your appointment and much more, visit the L.A. County Vaccination website (English) or Vacunate Los Angeles website (Spanish).
Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.
See All Coronavirus Coverage: Coronavirus Coverage – COVID-19 Map
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