(Note: the policy below is effective April 3, 2023. Here is the policy prior to that date.)
COVID-19 Policy updated March 15, 2023
In the CERT Auxiliary (CERT) program, our mission is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. To fulfill our mission and protect our community and our volunteers, CERT leadership aligns itself with the Santa Cruz County Department of Health and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 policies.
Masking
Effective April 3, 2023, masks will not be required on deployments, CERT exercises, and in-person trainings. However, we strongly encourage people wear a mask (surgical or better) when engaging in activities in close contact with others.
In addition, CERT recommends that volunteers wear a mask in the following conditions:
- Significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Are immune-compromised
- Are not vaccinated against COVID-19
CERT members with symptoms of illness (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat) CANNOT attend in-person CERT activities.
CERT members testing positive for COVID-19 should mask, isolate, and quarantine per CDPH guidance and CANNOT attend in-person CERT activities. Please refer to CDPH guidance on isolation protocol after testing positive for COVID-19: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID- 19/Guidance-on-Isolation-and-Quarantine-for-COVID-19-Contact-Tracing.aspx
CERT members testing positive for COVID-19 within 5–7 days after attending a CERT event should notify the trainer/team leader, supervisor, or other event contact. They should then follow CDPH/CDC guidance regarding isolation, testing, and masking.
Vaccination Requirement
Effective April 3, 2023 CERT will no longer require (but highly recommends) COVID-19 vaccinations of CERT volunteers. No proof of vaccination/boosters will be required moving forward.
When CERT is participating with other agencies, the stricter COVID-19 policy for masking and vaccination shall prevail for all CERT volunteers for the event/deployment. Please inform your team leader or the Safety Officer if you have any questions.
This policy will be updated as CDC, CDPH and Santa Cruz County Health guidelines change.
See https://www.santacruzhealth.org/
Note: These requirements do not fall under HIPAA regulations as CERT Auxiliary is not a healthcare or a covered entity per definitions in the 1996 HIPAA law.
John M. Hanley, Pharm.D, RPh, CCA
CERT Auxiliary Safety Officer