Updates to DOH COVID-19 Outbreak Definition and Outbreak Reporting Requirements
Updates to DOH COVID-19 Outbreak Definition
and Outbreak Reporting Requirements
The definition of a COVID-19 outbreak was updated effective January 1, 2024. Based on this update, there will be a couple more pieces of information to be mindful of when reporting COVID-19 to your local health jurisdiction and the RCS/CRU hotline. The department published a Dear Provider Letter on 1/22/2024 that outlines the difference between an “outbreak” and a “case” of COVID-19. We recommend that providers still report when anyone in the AFH has tested positive for COVID-19, however, now the CRU will be looking for information about the source or potential “epi-linkage” of the infection and whether the infection rises to the definition of an “outbreak” vs a “case.” Here is a link to the Dear Provider Letter for more information.
Outbreak Definition for Long Term Care:
• ≥2 cases of probable or confirmed COVID-19 among residents, with epi-linkage* OR
• ≥2 cases of suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 among HCP AND ≥1 case of probable or confirmed COVID-19 among residents, with epi-linkage** AND no other more likely sources of exposure for at least 1 of the cases.
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