The CDC allowed public health authorities to reduce quarantine periods after close contacts on December 2, 2020. Local rules may vary but the principles are:
1…Quarantine can end after Day 10, if there were no symptoms reported during that period.
2… Quarantine may end after Day 7, following a confirming diagnostic test two days before.
However, you must continue masking and monitoring symptoms for the full 14 days regardless. But there’s even more to staying at home if you must quarantine for the coronavirus than that.
What’s the Difference between Quarantine and Isolation?
1…Quarantine keeps somebody away who MIGHT have exposure to the virus from others: For example, a CLOSE CONTACT.
2…Isolation keeps somebody with SYMPTOMS away from everybody else, even in their own home: For example, a CONFIRMED INFECTION.
In practical terms, this means staying at home and in quarantine if you have been in contact with an infected person. That is, unless you have tested positive for COVID in the preceding three months, without developing new symptoms.
The Close Contact that Makes You Stay Home and Quarantine
You had a close contact and you must quarantine according to CDC, if …
1…You were within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes
2…You provided care to a person who is showing symptoms of the disease
3…You had direct contact (kissed or hugged) a person with the disease
4…You shared eating / drinking utensils or they sneezed or coughed near you
When you stay at home because you must quarantine for a suspected infection, you must do so for 14 days after your last symptoms. Unless your public health authority agrees otherwise. During this time you must monitor yourself for fever temperature (100.4◦F), a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and other common signs.
You are at risk of passing the infection until you have been symptom-free for the required period. Be especially sensitive of vulnerable people at higher risk of falling gravely ill. Better still, stay away from as many people as you humanly can to avoid risking becoming a spreader yourself.
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Preview Image: Quarantine Versus Isolation
