The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday reduced the recommended isolation restrictions for those that have COVID-19 from 10 days to 5 days, and similarly shortened the time that those exposed need to quarantine.  Below is a summary of the updates.  

Isolation – Tested Positive for COVID-19

The isolation rules are for people who are infected.  The same rules apply to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.  The 5-day clock begins on the day you test positive.

1. Isolate at home for 5 days.
2. At the end of the 5 days, if you have no symptoms, or symptoms are resolving, you can stop isolation.
3. Wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
4. If you continue to have symptoms, such as a fever, after 5 days, stay home until your fever resolves.  Then start your 5 days of wearing a mask.

Quarantine – Exposed to COVID-19

The quarantine periods are for people who were in close contact with an infected person but not infected themselves.  The quarantine clock starts the day you are alerted of exposure to the virus.

Unvaccinated, are more than 6 months out from the second dose of the Pfizer/Moderna and not boosted or more than two months from the J & J vaccine and not boosted.

1. Quarantine at home for 5 days.
2. Wear a mask around others for five days after your quarantine.
3. If a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, wear a mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.
4. Test on day 5

Fully Vaccinated in last 6 months (Pfizer/Moderna), 2 months ( J & J) or Fully Vaccinated plus Boosted 

1. Do not need to quarantine after exposure.
2. Wear a mask for 10 days following the exposure.
3. Test on day 5.

Further details on the CDC’s COVID-19 update can be found by clicking on the following links:

CDC Updated Isolation-Quarantine-Guidance

Bloomberg CDC Isolation/Quarantine Guidelines