Quarantine Time Can be Over after Ten Days
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new options for public health authorities to consider for establishment quarantine time frames for those who have come in contact with a person with COVID-19.
In summary:
A quarantine can end ten days after the person was exposed, without testing, if daily monitoring has shown no symptoms. OR A quarantine can end seven days after a person was exposed if a diagnostic specimen tests negative, and if daily monitoring has shown no symptoms.
HOWEVER, the following criteria must still be met through Day 14:
- Correct and Consistent Mask Use (including within homes)
- Social Distancing
- Proper Hand and Cough Hygiene
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
- Avoiding Crowds
- Ensuring adequate indoor ventilation
- Monitoring for Symptoms of COVID-19 Illness
- Minimizing Contact with anyone at increased risk for severe illness, including vulnerable and congregate populations
Will County Health Department Epidemiologist Alpesh Patel reminds us that these adjustments come from research that shows these methods to be highly affective against the transmission of COVID-19, although not 100 percent affective. “It is based on various studies and research,” Patel stated. “Ending a quarantine after 10 days without a negative test leads to about 1% risk of spreading the virus to others. After a seven-day quarantine with a negative test, there’s about a 5% chance of spreading the virus.”
Click HERE or more on the new CDC options.