Updated COVID Prevention Protocol Work Situations

Automated translation of an article on the Moncloa website.

The Ministry of Health has updated the Action Procedure for occupational risk prevention services against exposure to SARS-CoV-2, in coordination with the autonomous communities, through the Occupational Health Report and the Public Health Commission of the inter-territorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS).

This update is in line with the latest updates to the COVID-19 Early Detection, Surveillance and Control Strategy of June 16. Specifically, it updates the measures related to interpersonal distance in workplaces, establishing it as “at least 1.5 meters“, as stated in the RD of June 9, of urgent measures of prevention, containment and coordination to face the health crisis caused by COVID-19.

In addition, once it has been established that any case suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection will undergo a PCR (or other molecular diagnostic technique deemed appropriate) in the first 24 hours, it is established that the isolation will be maintained until three days after the resolution of the fever and the clinical picture with a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

Health service professionals from the occupational risk prevention service will be in charge of identifying and following close contacts in the workplace, in coordination with the public health authorities.

All suspected cases will be kept in isolation pending the PCR result and the search for close contacts will begin. In case of negative PCR, and if there is no high clinical suspicion, the case is ruled out and the isolation and search for contacts ends.

For the search for close contacts, the period to consider will be from 2 days before the onset of symptoms of the case to the moment in which the case is isolated. In asymptomatic cases confirmed by PCR, contacts will be sought from 2 days before the date of diagnosis.

Any person who meets the definition of close contact in a confirmed case must be informed and active or passive surveillance will be initiated, following the protocols established in each autonomous community.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.