Guidance Changes on COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Periods for General Population
Thursday January 6, 2022
Guidance to align with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols
Based on the new recommendations from the CDC and MDHHS, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is changing its isolation and quarantine guidance for people who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols. This new guidance applies to the general population and may not apply to healthcare workers, those residing in congregate living settings, K-12 schools, or people who work with individuals in high-risk groups. The guidance is also subject to change based on new information received by the agency as science evolves and recommendations are updated.
The CDC says current science indicates the majority of COVID-19 transmission happens early in the illness, generally in the first one to two days before symptoms start and the two to three days thereafter. Therefore, effective immediately, the new guidance for general populations shortens the isolation and quarantine periods under certain scenarios.
If an individual should test positive for COVID-19, the new isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status, are
- Stay home for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19, the new quarantine guidelines are:
- For people who are not fully vaccinated, or if it has been more than six months since they received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or more than two months since receiving the J&J vaccine and have not received a booster:
- Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
- Test on day 5 if possible.
- If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
- For people who are fully vaccinated, meaning it has been 2 weeks since the last dose of vaccine, and have received a booster dose:
- Wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure
- Test five days after the exposure.
- If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
“The new guidelines will allow residents to return to school, work, and activities, while still slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Karen Luparello, Medical Director. “The key will be for residents to remain at home if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, until they are tested and have a negative test result. If someone has symptoms and tests negative on a rapid with pending PCR results, they should stay isolated until the PCR results come back. If negative, then they have more confidence to leave isolation.”
“The community transmission rate in our area remains high, as defined by the CDC,” said Rebecca Burns, Health Officer. “We encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination or booster doses to schedule an appointment at any provider convenient to you. Many pharmacies, healthcare offices, and hospitals are offering vaccination and booster doses. Appointment for the New Year with the Health Agency are available at www.bhsj.org/scheduling.”
BHSJ CHA is currently working to update its guidance and communication materials to reflect the changes in isolation and quarantine guidelines.