The CDC recently issued another update on COVID-19 testing and quarantine procedures to “streamline” its guidance. Employers should review this updated guidance and incorporate it into their workplace policies and practices as COVID-19 cases persist in our communities. The updated guidance is as follows:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE EXPOSED TO COVID-19?- Regardless of vaccination status, start precautions immediately.
- Wear a mask for ten full days after exposure.
- How to count the days: Day 0 is the day of your last exposure, and Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure.
- Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure (that means day 6).
- Watch for symptoms. If you develop symptoms before you test, isolate immediately and stay home until you get the result.
- If you test positive, isolate immediately and follow Guidance number 2 below.
- If you test negative, continue taking precautions through Day 10. You can develop COVID up to 10 days after exposure.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
- If you test positive and have symptoms, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate. You are likely the most infectious during the first 5 days.
- Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms started.
- During your isolation:
- Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
- Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
- Do not travel.
- Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
If you test positive, but have no symptoms, isolate for five days
- Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested.
- If you develop symptoms within 10 days of being tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset.
- Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
- Do not travel.
- Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
WHEN TO END ISOLATION AFTER A POSITIVE TEST?
- If you had no symptoms, end isolation after day 5.
- If you had symptoms:
- End isolation after day 5 only if:
- You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)
- Your symptoms are improving
Exception: if you had moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing), or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19, or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate through day 10.
- Even after you have ended isolation, wear your mask through day 10, or OR, if you have access to antigen tests, you should consider using them. With two sequential negative tests 48 hours apart, you may remove your mask sooner than day 10.
- After you have ended isolation, if your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, restart your isolation at day 0.
