The California Department of Public Health continues to monitor COVID-19 cases and take action to slow transmission in light of the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Today CDPH updated guidance to align with the recommended isolation and quarantine timeframes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this time of uncertainty due to Omicron, CDPH added additional testing recommendations to exit isolation and quarantine and improved masking measures to protect the health and well-being of all Californians.
Isolation for COVID-19 Positive Individuals
All individuals with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should stay home for at least five days. Isolation can end after day five if symptoms are not present or resolving and if an antigen test collected on day five or later is negative.
Quarantine for Individuals Exposed to COVID-19
Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to COVID-19, and vaccinated people who are eligible for a booster but have not yet received a booster who are exposed to COVID-19, should stay home for at least five days and also get an antigen test on day five.
Vaccinated individuals who have received their booster, or are not eligible for a booster, and are exposed to COVID-19 do not have to stay home but should test on day five.
Omicron Update
Overall, clinical and wastewater data show that Omicron cases are present in most regions of the state, indicating that there is likely community transmission. Mutations consistent with Omicron variant have been detected at increasing proportions in wastewater in multiple regions throughout California where this surveillance is conducted. Data from several sources, including genetic sequencing from COVID-19 patients, wastewater surveillance, and reports from health care partners, indicate that the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant is increasing rapidly. Additionally, genetic sequencing does not represent real-time data, as sequencing generally occurs several days or more after initial tests are positive for COVID-19.
The emergence of the Omicron variant emphasizes the importance of taking prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19, including getting a vaccine or booster. For information on Omicron and other variants, see the CDPH variant webpage and the Omicron variant fact sheet.
Slow the Spread: Get Vaccinated and Boosted for COVID-19
The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated. Real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, and more mingling among non-household members, public health officials urge Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to help prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases.
It is recommended that every vaccinated adult 18 years or older should get a booster as long as they received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or they received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Vaccination appointments can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov or calling 1-833-422-4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under age 18 to receive a vaccination. Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians 5+.
Statewide COVID-19 Data
Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are largely occurring among unvaccinated populations. See the data for unvaccinated and vaccinated cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
- Unvaccinated people were 5.2 times more likely to get COVID-19 (data from December 13, 2021 to December 19, 2021).
- Unvaccinated people were 14.5 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from December 6, 2021 to December 12, 2021).
- Unvaccinated people were 15.0 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from November 29, 2021 to December 5, 2021).
Vaccinations
- 64,562,129 total vaccines administered.
- 3% of the eligible population (5+) has been vaccinated with at least one dose.
- 143,252 people a day are receiving COVID-19 vaccination (average daily dose count over 7 days).
Cases
- California has 5,135,071 confirmed cases to date.
- Today’s average case count is 12,877 (average daily case count over 7 days).
Testing
- The testing positivity rate is 12.9% (average rate over 7 days).
Hospitalizations
- There are 5,516 hospitalizations statewide.
- There are 1,194 ICU patients statewide.
Deaths
- There have been 75,738 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
- COVID-19 claims the lives of 45 Californians each day (average daily death count over 7 days).
