cdc exposure guidelines
isolation quarantine guidance
Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if they are asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when others are present .
The change is driven by science showing that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of the disease, generally in the 1-2 days before symptoms appear and 2-3 days after.
Therefore, people who test positive must isolate for 5 days, and if they do not show symptoms at that time, they may leave isolation if they continue to wear masks for 5 days to reduce the risk of infecting others.
In addition, the CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are not immunized or who have been out more than six months from their second mRNA dose (or more than two months after a J&J vaccine) and have not yet been boosted, the CDC now recommends a 5-day quarantine followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is essential that the exposed person wears an appropriate mask at all times when in close proximity to others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received a booster dose do not need to be quarantined after exposure, but must wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.
For all exposed persons, best practice may also include testing for SARS-CoV-2 on the fifth day after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms that the symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
Quarantine and isolation
Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing an appropriate mask will reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
Both updates come as Omicron continues to spread across the United States and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person becomes most infected.
Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom show that the vaccine efficacy against infection for two doses of mRNA vaccine is about 35%.
A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine restores the vaccine's effectiveness against infection to 75%. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
The CDC strongly encourages vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone age 5 and older and is promoting vaccination for everyone 16 years of age or older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.
The following is attributed to the director of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walinsky:
“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to affect all aspects of our society. The CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus with the protection offered by vaccination and booster doses.
These updates ensure people can continue their daily lives safely. Prevention is our best option: getting Vaccination, booster, mask wear in public enclosed spaces in areas with high and high community transmission, and testing prior to assembly.”
If you test positive for COVID-19 (isolation)
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
Stay at home for 5 days.
If you have no symptoms or if symptoms resolve after 5 days, you can leave your home.
Continue to wear the mask around others for an additional 5 days.
If you have a fever, continue to stay at home until the fever clears.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (quarantine)
If you are:
reinforced
or
Completed the initial series of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the past six months
or
Complete the initial series of J&J vaccine within the past two months
Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
Test on the fifth day, if possible.
If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.
If you are:
You completed the initial series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 6 months ago and have not been boosted
or
I completed the initial series of J&J over 2 months ago and it hasn't been consolidated
or not
being vaccinated
Stay at home for 5 days. Then continue to wear the mask around others for an additional 5 days.
If you cannot quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.
Test on the fifth day if possible.
If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home .
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