On Monday, December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance and shortened the recommended period for isolation following a positive test result or quarantine period following exposure to COVID-19.
Isolation applies to persons who have tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC has reduced the isolation period from 10 days to five days, so long as the person is either asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving. After the five-day isolation, the CDC recommends that the person continue to wear a mask for five days to minimize risk of infection to others.
The CDC also updated quarantine periods for individuals exposed to COVID-19. Individuals who have not received a full COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster shot must quarantine for five days and strictly adhere to the five-day masking requirement after isolation. Vaccinated individuals, including those who are boosted, do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but the CDC recommends that these individuals wear a mask for at least 10 days following the exposure.
Below is a chart outlining the current isolation and quarantine requirements:
| Vaccination Status | Exposed to COVID-19 (Quarantine) | Tested Positive for COVID-19 (Isolation) |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Vaccinated* with Booster | • Wear a mask around others for 10 days • Test on day 5 if possible | • Isolate for 5 days, but if symptoms, including a fever persist, remain at home. • After 5 days continue to wear a mask around others. |
| Fully Vaccinated* without Booster | • Wear a mask around others for 10 days • Test on day 5 if possible | • Isolate for 5 days, but if symptoms, including a fever persist, remain at home. • After 5 days continue to wear a mask around others. |
| Unvaccinated or Not Fully Vaccinated | • Quarantine for 5 days and continue to wear a mask around others for 5 days after quarantine. • If a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. • Test on day 5 if possible. | • Isolate for 5 days, but if symptoms, including a fever, persist remain at home. • After 5 days in isolation adhere to masking requirement for 5 additional days. |
*Fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, means any individual who has completed the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last six months or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last two months.
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