When to quarantine:
-People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 - excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 months.
- *People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and have recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months may need to be tested again.
-What counts as "close contact"?
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
-Reducing quarantine time:
- 10 days after exposure OR 7 days after exposure AND receive a negative PCR test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)
After stopping quarantine you should:
- Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure
- If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider
- Wear as mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
***The CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html