In need of medical supplies (e.g., PPE) for your COVID19 response?
Provider Agencies and Healthcare Facilities based in Alameda County can request personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical supplies related to the COVID-19 pandemic by completing theStorefront for Requesting PPE and Medical Supplies Specific for COVID-19 Form.
To access this storefront, please:
- Click here to be redirected to the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency Storefront.
- Click “Create Account” to complete the form with all requested information.
- Click “Submit” once all details have been entered. You will thereafter receive a confirmation email for your request. Please note that you will not be able to view or request items during this step.
- Await a separate email to confirm your account has been approved. Once your account is approved, you will then be able to access the storefront and request available items.
In need of medical personnel for your COVID19 response?
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Provider Agencies and Healthcare Facilities can request medically trained personnel who can help meet staffing needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To make a staffing request, please complete the Resource Request Form for Medical Personnel Specific for COVID-19.Please note: It is expected that all other options have been exhausted prior to using the links above to submit a medical supply or medical personnel request.
Testing Guidance
- Updated COVID-19 Testing Guidance for Alameda County (ACPHD, 8/17/2020)
- Evaluating and Testing Persons for COVID-19 (CDC)
- COVID-19 Testing Site Requirements (ACPHD, 3/30/20)
Providers who are not offering testing can refer their patients who need testing to our Testing for COVID-19 page where they can find testing locations near them.
Large commercial laboratories and other non-public health referral laboratories are offering COVID-19 testing. Providers should send specimens to these laboratories. ACPHD approval is NOT REQUIRED for testing done at commercial laboratories. According to the California Department of Public Health, a CDC PUI number or COVID-19 ID number is also not required for testing at these facilities.
- Order to Rescind Order Mandating Testing for ACSO Employees Working in Santa Rita (Order 21-02a - In effect 8/9/21)
- Health Officer Order Directing All Labs Conducting COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests to Report COVID-19 Test Information – Including Positive, Negative, and Inconclusive Test Results – to Local and State Public Health Authorities (3/24/20, ACPHD)
- Health Officer Order Increasing Testing Requirements for LTCFs (ACPHD, 11/25/20)
- Health Officer Order Requiring Testing of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic LTCF Staff and Residents (ACPHD, 11/25/20)
- COVID-19 Testing at Alameda County Public Health (ACPHD, 4/3/2020)
- Frequently Asked Questions about Home Collection Test Kits for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19 (IDSA)
- Laboratory Testing Guidance for Clinicians (ACPHD, 9/24/20)
- Point of Care Testing Guidance (ACPHD, 10/19/20)
- Point of Care Testing Guidance Addendum (ACPHD, 1/21/21)
- Skilled Nursing Facility Testing FAQ (ACPHD, 6/18/20)
- Testing Guidance for Alameda County (ACPHD, 8/17/20)
- Testing Guidance for Residential Care Facilities and Adult Care Facilities
COVID-19 Disease Reporting
Report Thresholds:
- Acute care hospitals should follow the reporting guidance found in the CDPH COVID-19 Outbreak Investigation and Reporting Thresholds. Reporting thresholds vary depending on community prevalence.
- Outpatient health facilities, including dialysis facilities, emergency departments, urgent care, primary care, and dental offices should follow the reporting guidance found on page 5-6 of the CORHA Proposed Investigation/Reporting Thresholds for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.
- Congregate living facilities such as residential congregate living for youth, barracks/shelters, homeless shelters, higher education student dormitories, room and board, group homes, and transitional housing facilities should follow the reporting guidance found in the CDPH Non-Healthcare Congregate Facilities COVID-19 Outbreak Definitions and Reporting Guidance for Local Health Departments. Managers and operators of group and transitional housing facilities should use the ACPHD COVID-19 Outbreak Control Recommendations for Unlicensed Congregate Residential Settings to control a COVID-19 outbreak.
How to Report:
Please email covidob@acgov.org and include the name and contact information of the reporter, facility name, number of employees or patients/residents involved, and a brief description. DO NOT include protected health information (PHI) of any patients.Outbreak Reporting guidance for Long Term Care Facilities, including Long Term Acute Care Hospitals, can be found on our Clinical Guidance page.
Guidance for Employers & Employees in Healthcare Settings
- Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with COVID-19 (CDC)
- Post Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel (CDC)
- Healthcare Workers and Employers (OSHA)
- Laboratory Workers and Employers (OSHA)
- COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (Cal/OSHA)
- Mandatory Flu Shots for Health Care Workers Order (Order No. 20-16b - Updated 11/20/20)
Surge Planning
Many healthcare facilities are already experiencing a surge in patients, reduction in staffing, or limited supplies. All facilities should be planning for these conditions. The Alameda County Public Health Department supports planning activities with the Disaster Preparedness Health Coalition.
Vaccination Guidance for Healthcare Facilities
Health Care Providers: How to become a vaccinating organization
We encourage all Alameda County health care providers to enroll in CalVax, the State’s system for requesting COVID-19 vaccine. If you have already enrolled as a provider and have vaccinated your staff, please begin vaccinating your patients aged 65 and older.
Please see the link below to learn more about CalVax and access provider training and educational materials.