Alameda County utilizes the Shared/School Portal for Outbreak Tracing (SPOT) to gather information about congregate setting COVID-19 cases. To begin submitting the required information through the SPOT platform, you will first need to submit a SPOT Intake Form for each new outbreak. (If you previously have used SPOT, use the same account information to report applicable cases).
Reporting a New Exposure
The LTCF-SPOT User Guide is available with detailed instructions on the steps below. For any questions or concerns regarding SPOT, please contact LTCFdata@acgov.org.Step One
Complete the application (linked below) to submit a SPOT Intake Form.
Do not submit cases in this step. Select “No, I will provide this information later once the Health Department has confirmed the information.” at the bottom of the SPOT Intake Form
SPOT Intake Form (ENGLISH) | SPOT Intake Form (SPANISH)
Note: While the completion of the application is the first step of reporting, you will still need to submit case information via SPOT Bulk Upload once you receive access to be fully compliant.
Step Two
The Alameda County COVID Long-Term Care Facility Team will review your form and email you with the next steps. A response should be expected within the same or following business day.
Step Three
Download and fill out the LTCF SPOT Bulk Upload Template (blue columns are required to be completed). Then log into your SPOT account and visit the “Bulk Upload” section. Upload the completed document that includes the case(s) information.
Step Four
Each additional COVID-19 case related to the exposure should be reported via LTCF SPOT Bulk Upload.
Reporting a New Outbreak
Step One
Complete the application (linked below) to submit a SPOT Intake Form.
Do not submit cases in this step. Select “No, I will provide this information later once the Health Department has confirmed the information.” at the bottom of the SPOT Intake Form
SPOT Intake Form (ENGLISH) | SPOT Intake Form (SPANISH)
Note: While the completion of the application is the first step of reporting, you will still need to submit case information via SPOT Bulk Upload once you receive access to be fully compliant.
Step Two
Once you have submitted your request, the Alameda County COVID Investigations and Prevention Unit (CIPU) will review your form and email you with the next steps. A response should be expected within the same or following business day.
For first time users, a SPOT account registration email will be sent to you.
Using SPOT to Report COVID-19 Cases
Step One
Refer to the instructions in the email you received from the Alameda County CIPU. Please complete all required information for positive COVID-19 cases associated with the outbreak.
Step Two
Each additional COVID-19 case related to the exposure should be reported through SPOT.
Download and fill out the LTCF SPOT Bulk Upload Template (blue columns are required to be completed). Then log into your SPOT account and visit the “Bulk Upload” section. Upload the completed document that includes the case(s) information.
Notify the Alameda County Public Health Department at COVIDOB@acgov.org for the following:
- If you are concerned that you are unable to manage your facility's outbreak using the guidance on this website.
- Any additional questions regarding COVID-19 at your facility.
- Need additional COVID-19 guidance for your setting.
Case Reporting for Health Care Providers
Submit Confidential Morbidity Reports (CMRs) within 24 hours on patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection that have been hospitalized or have died. Providers should continue to report Multi-System Inflammatory Syndromes in Children (MIS-C).
- Fax to 510-273-3944 or send by secure email to COVIDreport@acgov.org.
Laboratories must continue to report positive and negative results via Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) or by fax within 24 hours.
Reporting Threshold for Long-Term Care Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute care hospitals
Must report the following to the Alameda County Public Health Department per AFL 23-09:- ≥1 probable or confirmed* COVID-19 cases in a resident or healthcare provider;
- ≥3 or more cases of acute illness compatible with COVID-19 in residents with onset within a 72-hour period
CDSS Adult and Senior Care Adult and Senior Care (ASC) licensees
Required to report suspected or confirmed outbreaks to their local Regional Office, the persons in care’s authorized representative, and to their local health department as required by applicable regulations [California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, section 80061(b)(1)(H) ; section 81061(b)(1)(G); section 82061(a)(1)(F); and section 87211(a)(2) - Outbreak Definition: At least three suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period among epidemiologically linked residents and/or staff
- “Epidemiologically-linked cases” include persons with close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 disease; OR a member of a risk cohort as defined by public health authorities during an outbreak.
- A "risk cohort" includes persons with potential for shared exposure with the case(s) through a shared defined physical space. Examples include but are not limited to persons in the same: dining room, activity room, visiting area, Physical Therapy room.
- CDPH Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine for definition of "close contact."
How to report:
- For facilities reporting their first outbreak, call 510-268-2785 or email LTCFOutbreak@acgov.org Monday -Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On weekends, call Alameda County Fire Dispatch at 925-422-7595 and ask to speak to the Public Health Duty Officer on call.
- For facilities that have previously had an outbreak of COVID-19, see How to Report an Outbreak
Guidance can be found on the Long-Term Care Facility page.
Reporting Threshold for Adult Day Programs & Adult Day Health Centers
- Outbreak Definition: At least three suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period among epidemiologically linked residents and/or staff
- "Epidemiologically-linked cases" include persons with close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 disease; OR a member of a risk cohort as defined by public health authorities during an outbreak.
- A "risk cohort" includes persons with potential for shared exposure with the case(s) through a shared defined physical space. Examples include but are not limited to persons in the same: dining room, activity room, visiting area, Physical Therapy room.
- CDPH Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine for definition of "close contact."
How to report:
- For facilities reporting their first outbreak, call 510-268-2785, Monday -Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
On weekends, call Alameda County Fire Dispatch at 925-422-7595 and ask to speak to the Public Health Duty Officer on call.
- For facilities that have previously had an outbreak of COVID-19, please report to 510-268-2785 or email LTCFOutbreak@acgov.org.
More reporting information and guidance can be found on the Long-Term Care Facility page.
Reporting Threshold for Health Care Facilities
Acute care facilities are required to report the following to the Alameda County Public Health Department per CDPH AFL 23-09 :
- ≥2 cases of probable* or confirmed* COVID-19 in a patient 4 or more days after admission for a non-COVID condition, with epi-linkage†;
- ≥3 cases of suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 in HCP with epi-linkage in counties where the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community is low to moderate, or
- Any identified cluster of suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 in HCP with epi-linkage‡ in counties where the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community is substantial or high (or ≥100/100,000 for 7 days)
*See CSTE position statement for probable and confirmed case definitions.
†Epi-linkage among patients is defined as overlap on the same unit or ward, or other patient care location (e.g., radiology suite), or having the potential to have been cared for by common HCP within a 7-day time period of each other. Determining epi-linkages requires judgment and may include weighing evidence whether or not patients had a common source of exposure.
‡Epi-linkage among HCP is defined as having the potential for close contact while working in the facility during the 7 days prior to the onset of symptoms; for example, worked on the same unit during the same shift, and no more likely sources of exposure identified outside the facility. Determining epi-linkages requires judgment and may include weighing evidence whether or not transmission took place in the facility, accounting for likely sources of exposure outside the facility.
Please refer to How to Report an Outbreak: All Other Settings (businesses, schools, acute care, etc.)
Outpatient health facilities, including dialysis facilities, emergency departments, urgent care, primary care, and dental offices must report the following to Alameda County Public Health Department per local reporting thresholds based on the reporting thresholds found on page 6 of the CSTE Proposed Investigation/Reporting Thresholds for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings::
- Ambulatory Special Settings: ≥3 confirmed COVID-19 cases in patients or HCP with epi-linkage
- Emergency Department, Urgent Care, Primary Care: ≥3 cases of suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 in HCP with epi-linkage
Epi-linkage among HCP is defined as having the potential to have been within 6ft for 15 minutes or longer while working in the facility during the 7 days prior to prior to the onset of symptoms; for example, worked on the same shift or proximity.
Epi-linkage among patients is defined as overlap on the same unit or ward or having the potential to have been cared for by common HCP within a 7-day time period of each other.
*See CSTE position statement for probable and confirmed case definitions.
Please refer to How to Report an Outbreak: All Other Settings (businesses, schools, acute care, etc.)
Reporting Threshold for Shelters & Congregate Living Facilities
The Isolation & Quarantine Hotel closed permanently at the end of February 2023. Facilities should have a plan to safely isolate and/or quarantine all residents on-site as needed. Please refer to our Guide for On-site Isolation & Quarantine for Unlicensed Group Living Settings. If you require assistance, please email COVIDOB@acgov.org
Congregate living facilities such as homeless shelters, residential treatment facilities, transitional housing facilities, room and board, group homes, and residential congregate living for youth must report the following to Alameda County Public Health Department per local reporting thresholds:
- 3 or more COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period in residents and/or staff
Reporting Threshold for Correctional Facilities
County jails and juvenile detention centers must report the following to Alameda County Public Health Department in accordance with local reporting thresholds:
- ≥1 COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period in an inmate, corrections staff and/or contracted staff
How to report: Email COVIDCorrections@acgov.org and include the name and contact information of the reporter, facility name, number of employees or inmates involved, and a brief description. DO NOT include protected health information (PHI) of any patients.
Reporting Threshold for Schools, Childcare & Youth Congregate Settings
Children and Youth Congregate Settings, including daycares, schools, camps, and youth sports programs must report the following to Alameda County Public Health Department per CDPH K-12 guidance and local reporting thresholds:
Setting |
Number of Cases (e.g. the number of cases that need to be reported) |
|
Elementary schools or schools with stable classrooms |
5 or more positive COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period in an individual classroom |
| Secondary schools or shcools with students that change classrooms frequently | 15 percent or more of a grade has tested positive for COVID-19 within a 7-day period |
| Child care programs | 3 or more positive COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period
|
| Other (camp, youth center, extracurricular activity, youth sport, etc. | 3 or more positive COVID-19 cases within a 7-day period |
| Higher Education | 5% or more of the campus has tested positive for COVID-19 in a 7-day period. |
Please refer to How to Report an Outbreak: All Other Settings (businesses, schools, acute care, etc.).
Reporting Threshold for Workplaces
As of January 1, 2023, general workplaces are no longer required to report outbreaks (three or more COVID-19 cases among employees in an "exposed group" within a 7-day period) to their local health jurisdiction. AB 685 is no longer in effect and general workplaces should instead refer to AB 2693 and the Cal/OSHA Reporting Requirements FAQ for the most up-to-date COVID-19 case reporting and recording requirements. Reporting requirements for specific special settings are unchanged.
Covered employers must continue to comply with the COVID-19 Non-Emergency Temporary Standards, for Cal/OSHA reporting requirements. Please visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/.
Workplace Steps to Controlling and Prevention COVID-19 Outbreaks (4/3/2023)Please refer to How to Report an Outbreak: All Other Settings (businesses, schools, acute care, etc.).
