The Warren County Health Department this week shared updated guidance from the CDC about what actions to take after a COVID exposure, including shorter recommendations for isolation and quarantine.
The guidance is separated into three categories: those who test positive for COVID, those who are exposed and have a recent vaccination, and those who are exposed and don’t have a recent vaccination.
“Don’t be tempted to shorten or skip recommended quarantine or isolation. It literally can be life or death for someone else,” the health department said.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate at home for five days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until the fever resolves.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after five days, you’re fine to leave home. Continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days after isolation.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID and:
1) received a COVID booster shot; or
2) completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination within the last six months; or
3) completed the J&J vaccination within the last two months;
Wear a mask around others for 10 days. Get tested on day five if possible. If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.
If you were exposed to some with COVID and:
1) completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination more than six months ago and have not received a booster shot; or
2) completed the J&J vaccination more than two months ago and have not received a booster shot; or
3) are unvaccinated;
Stay home for five days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others.
If you can’t stay home, wear a mask for 10 days. Get tested on day five if possible. If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
