Orders & Guidance

Health officer orders have changed throughout the pandemic based on the level of transmission in our communities. See the latest orders currently in effect, as well as the latest guidance and best practices for staying safe.

Subscribe to SLO County COVID-19 email updates to receive updates regarding new local orders, and subscribe to CDPH COVID-19 Policy Alerts for updates to California state public health officer orders and public health mandates related to COVID-19.

See latest orders See latest guidance Submit a question or concern 

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Health Officer Orders

Guidance has changed throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  See the latest local and state health officer orders below.

Current Local Orders

• County of San Luis Obispo Health Officer Order of November 28, 2022: Order to Isolate
• The County Health Officer Order to Quarantine dated April 21, 2022 has been rescinded effective November 28, 2022. 

Current State Orders

• Updated - State Public Health Officer Order of February 8, 2021, updated October 6, 2022: Guidance for Limiting the Transmission of COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
• State Public Health Officer Order of September 20, 2022: Guidance for the Use of Face Masks
• State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022: Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
• State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022: State and Local Correctional Facilities and Detention Centers Health Care Worker Vaccination Requirement
• State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022: Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
• State Public Health Officer Order of June 8, 2022: Beyond the Blueprint
• State Public Health Officer Order of February 16, 2021: Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors (Including Mega Events)
• State Public Health Officer Order of February 8, 2021: UPDATED STATEWIDE VISITATION WAIVER, AND TESTING AND VACCINATION VERIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)
• State Public Health Officer Order of December 30, 2021: Guidance for use of Over-the-counter tests for Local Health Jurisdictions
• State Public Health Officer Order of August 5, 2021: Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement​
• State Public Health Officer Order of August 5, 2021: Requirements for Visitors in Acute Health Care Settings

Recently rescinded State orders:

• State Public Health Officer Order of February 15, 2022: Guidance for the Use of Face Masks
• State Public Health Officer Order of August 11, 2021: Vaccine Verification for Workers in Schools
• State Public Health Officer Order of July 26, 2021:  Health Care Worker Protections in High-Risk Settings
• State Public Health Officer Order of February 8, 2021: Requirements for Visitors in Acute Health Care and Long-Term Care Settings

State Orders by Topic

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Guidance and Best Practices

Guidance has changed throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. See current guidance and best practices below.

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AB 685: Guidance & Information (for Employers)

• Employer Questions about AB 685, California’s New COVID-19 Law
• Employer Guidance on AB 685 Definitions (ca.gov)

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Overview of Current Restrictions

	Face masks: Guidance for the use of face masks is now based on COVID-19 CDC Community Levels. CDC Community Levels will help determine masking guidance and other precautionary measures to consider depending on if your county is in low, medium, or high levels.
	Events & Gatherings: Guidance for Mega Events (CDPH)  California Mask Guidance (CDPH)  Recommendations for Safer Gatherings (CDC)
	Physical distancing: No current restrictions.
	Travelers: Follow CDC recommendations and CDPH Travel Advisory.

 

Additional restrictions and required precautions may apply to specific industries and settings, including health care, congregate care, correctional, and youth settings (including schools and childcare). See more here.

For best practice information, see CDC Recommendations for Safer Activities.

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State Guidance

See all state guidance by topic area.

 See State Guidance 

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Mega Event Guidance

Mega Events are characterized by large crowds greater than 1,000 (indoors) and 10,000 (outdoors) attendees. Mega Events may have either assigned or unassigned seating, general admission or gated for ticketed and permitted events. 

Prior to attending an event, it is not required but strongly recommended that attendees provide proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event. 

See Mega Event Guidance