Dear UCSF Community,

In alignment with the latest recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, UCSF is updating its return-to-work guidelines for employees recovering from respiratory illness.

Beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, UCSF will apply the same return-to-work criteria to all acute respiratory infections — including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The updated guidelines focus on symptom improvement, being fever-free, and wearing a mask. This approach supports a safer workplace and allows individuals to return to work sooner when they are well.

What You Need to Know:
The following guidance applies to all UCSF and UCSF Health employees, providers, staff, learners, contractors, and vendors working onsite:

If you have respiratory symptoms with a fever and/or test positive for COVID-19, you may return to work when:

• At least three full days have passed since the onset of symptoms and/or positive COVID-19 test.
• You are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Symptoms have resolved and you feel well enough to work.

If you have respiratory symptoms without a fever, you may return to work when:

• At least 24 hours have passed since the onset of symptoms.
• Symptoms have resolved and you feel well enough to work.

What You Need to Do:

• Use the Digital Screener for personalized return-to-work guidance.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a mask for 10 days following the onset of symptoms.
• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

For full details, please visit the OHS website. You can also refer to the updated Table of Illness/Infections and Related Work Restrictions for specific guidance.

Thank you for continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our colleagues and the patients who depend on us for their care.

Sincerely,

Josh Adler, MD
Chief Clinical Officer, UCSF Health