First responders and homeless shelter staff in Contra Costa County must get COVID-19 booster or undergo weekly testing

Contra Costa County, California – Contra Costa authorities are urging first responders and homeless shelter staff to get the COVID-19 booster shot or get tested once a week due to concerns about the omicron variant.

The mandate, which goes into effect on January 10, affects law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical workers who work in or respond to calls at “high-risk facilities” such as hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and congregate care facilities. Employees at homeless shelters, as well as non-emergency ambulance workers who transport patients to the abovementioned facilities, are included in the requirement.

Employees who did not receive the COVID-19 booster shot must get tested on a weekly basis.

Contra Costa County’s new booster requirement came as a result of the omicron variant surge. According to health officials, the average daily number of newly diagnosed cases in the county has increased by around 156% in the last week, reaching 313 new cases per day.

The first instance of the omicron variant in the county was confirmed one week ago.

Visit the Contra Costa Health Services website or call 1-833-829-2626 for more information on booster shots and upcoming vaccination clinics.