Congregate living sites such as board and care facilities, sober living facilities and other similar group homes are at high risk for COVID-19 outbreaks. All congregate living sites should have plans to respond to suspect or confirmed COVID cases and prevent and minimize spread of COVID-19 in the facility. Facilities’ planning should take into account any unique needs of their residents, such as disabilities, cognitive decline, or no lack of access to technology.
Congregate living facilities should report any confirmed case of COVID-19 in residents or staff, or three or more cases of respiratory illness, to OCHCA at (714) 834-8180.
OCHCA Guidance for COVID-19 Preparation and Response for Congregate Living Facilities | PDF
CDC Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing
Any client or staff who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms should immediately be placed in isolation and receive laboratory testing for COVID-19. Those with a positive test should isolation per CDDPH Isolation and Quarantine Guidance.
OCHCA continues to strongly encourage vaccination Information on current vaccine recommendations can be found at the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines page.
OCHCA can assist with:
- COVID-19 testing, for example residents of congregate facilities with suspected infection or those who may have been exposed, if testing resources are not available.
- Find places to be vaccinated at no cost to an individual.
- Finding alternate housing for clients with COVID-19 who cannot be appropriately isolated or quarantined onsite during their illness.
Call the Orange County Health Agency with questions at 714-834-8180.
