2 Dec 2020

Quarantine Rules Changed

by | posted in: Announcements | 0

The CDC has put out new guidance regarding quarantine.  The long quarantine period, based on the best understanding of contagion, has placed a huge burden on those who cannot afford to miss in-person work or school.

If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, there is no need to quarantine after known exposure.  You should wear a face mask until able to obtain a negative test several days after exposure.

The CDC continues to recommend a 14 day quarantine after a known exposure* to COVID-19 for the lowest chance of spreading the virus (for unvaccinated individuals).  But new acceptable minimal quarantine limits are:

  • 10 day quarantine, if completely without symptoms     OR
  • 7 day quarantine, if completely without symptoms and with a negative COVID-19 test on day 5, 6, or 7.

Quarantine still begins on the last day of contact with infected person.  10 day isolation minimum is still necessary for COVID-19 infection.  Again, a 14 day quarantine is still superior for decreasing risk of being contagious to others.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

* The CDC defines exposure or close contact as:
    • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more (15 minutes do not need to be a single block)
    • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
    • You had direct physical contact with the person (e.g., hugged or kissed them)
    • You shared eating or drinking utensils
    • You were with someone who sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you