Watertown, WI

On Monday, December 27, the CDC shortened the recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general public. These changes are motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness.

These updates are not intended to apply to healthcare settings. CDC's recommendations for healthcare personnel are described in the Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages released last week. Additional updates to CDC healthcare infection prevention and control guidance will be forthcoming. 

Updated Isolation Recommendations (for those who have tested positive for COVID-19)

If the individual has no symptoms at any point:

• They can leave isolation after 5 days (test date is day 0) but must continue to wear a mask for 5 more days.
  • If they develop symptoms at any point, they should re-isolate for at least 5 days (symptom onset is day 0) and until their symptoms are improving and they haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours.

• • They would need to wear a mask until 10 days from their symptom onset date.

If the individual has symptoms:

• They must isolate for at least 5 days (date of symptom onset is day 0) and until symptoms are improving and they do not have a fever for at least 24 hours.
• They must continue to wear a mask once they leave isolation until 10 days from symptom onset.

Individuals unwilling or unable to wear a mask would need to isolate for the full 10-day period.

Updated Recommendations for Close Contacts

What to do after exposure:

• • Wear a well-fitting mask at home and in public for 10 days.
  • Get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 days after exposure.
  • Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days after your last exposure.
  • Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
  • If you live with someone with COVID-19, avoid sharing the same space within the home. (Use a different bedroom or bathroom if you can.)
  • Avoid travel.

Following an exposure to COVID-19, everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

• Should get tested for COVID-19 on day 5, if possible, after exposure.
• Quarantine immediately if any symptoms develop until they receive a negative COVID-19 test confirming symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.