Quarantine

In guidance updated December 2, 2020, the CDC adjusted quarantine period for asymptomatic individuals.  Today we consider these latest quarantine recommendations.

Before we do, we must first discuss what it means to quarantine and the conditions that trigger a quarantine.  Quarantine separates an individual who may have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from others to prevent further spread of the virus.  Simply stated, quarantine means stay home and stay away from others.  If you live with other people, keep to a separate room.  If you must be in the same room with someone else, stay 6 feet away, wear a mask and make sure everyone else does too.  Generally, if one person in a household is quarantined, all persons in that household should also quarantine.

You must quarantine when (1) you have COVID-19, (2) you first positive test for SARS-CoV-2, or (3) you are exposed to someone infected by SARS-CoV-2.  An exposure is an encounter of less than 6 feet apart and more than 15 minutes long when one or both individuals are not wearing face masks.  

The standard quarantine period for asymptomatic individuals is 14 days.  This recommendation comes from the maximum observed time between exposure and development of symptoms, known as the incubation period.  The incubation period is less than 14 days for most infected individuals, with 5-7 days being average.

The new CDC guidance lists two situations when the quarantine period can be shortened to less than 14 days. If no symptoms develop, the quarantine can be ended after 10 days without testing for SARS-CoV-2.  But if the person tests negatively for SARS-CoV-2 on or after the 5^th day of quarantine, and if the person never develops symptoms, then the quarantine period can be ended after day 7.  For the purposes of counting days, the exposure day is considered day 0.  

Immediate testing at the time of exposure is not recommended.  Testing prior to 5 days after exposure does not shorten the recommended quarantine period and could lead to a false perception that the exposure did not lead to infection, perhaps promoting risky behavior. 

The quarantine period is different if you have symptoms.  For persons with mild illness, the quarantine period is 10 days from the onset of symptoms or 24 hours since the last fever without use of fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol, whichever is longer.  Generally, a mild illness is one that does not require hospitalization.  If hospitalization is required, the quarantine period may be 20 days or more, depending on the advice of your doctor. 

Following these updated quarantine guidelines slows the spread of the disease and keeps your loved ones safe.  However, wearing a mask and staying away from people who are not wearing masks minimizes the risk of exposure in everyday encounters.  More on masks next time.