LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Social Services is offering caregivers information on how to keep themselves and those they care for safe as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold.
Caregivers may be providing services to one or more Lake County residents who may be in one of the groups of people that the governor of California or local authorities have urged to isolate themselves at home in order to keep from getting sick.
COVID-19 can cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath.
Caregivers can protect themselves and the people they are providing care for by:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying away from work and other people if you become sick with a fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms.
• Eliminating or minimizing visitors.
If you are an In-Home Supportive Services care provider, please note that after meeting certain criteria, IHSS providers accrue eight hours of sick leave. Your sick leave hours can be claimed through the Electronic Services Portal or by submitting a paper sick leave claim, SOC 2302.
IHSS providers can utilize accrued sick leave in addition to working all of the IHSS hours assigned to them without incurring an overtime violation. You can find the number of available sick leave hours you are eligible to claim on your pay stub.
If you become ill or are experiencing the symptoms listed above, it is advised that you do not report to your recipient’s home. Instead, you should call your recipient and let them know you are ill, so they can contact another provider or their local county office to request assistance with finding another provider.
Please be advised, if you are not experiencing symptoms and have not tested positive for COVID-19, you should continue to provide services to your IHSS or another recipient.
The state and county are working hard to make sure you and your recipient remain safe and healthy. Please follow the guidelines described in this notice to prevent yourself from getting sick by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, and follow public health guidance about other gatherings or activities.
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits, paid family leave and disability insurance benefits. For more information, please refer to the Employment Development Department FAQs and the Resources for Employers and Workers from the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.
Please also see the California Department of Public Health website for more general information regarding COVID-19.
Lake County Social Services offers information for caregivers during COVID-19 pandemic
- Lake County News reports
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