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The CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Periods

BY:  Jennifer Price, Sr. HR Consultant, East Coast Risk Management

On Monday, December 27th, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened their recommended isolation and quarantine periods.   According to the CDC, “the change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.”

To best understand the new guidance, let’s take a look at some CDC definitions.

  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
  • COVID-19 exposure is “having close contact (within 6 feet or less for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more, regardless of the use of face coverings) during the infectious period. The infectious period is 2 days prior to onset of symptoms, or 2 days prior to test date.”

Following are the CDC’s newest recommendations …

IF AN INDIVIDUAL TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 (REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS):

  • Isolate for 5 days
  • If after 5 days they are asymptomatic, isolation can end, but they must wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
  • If symptoms develop, isolate until a negative test is obtained

IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WITH COVID-19:

  • If they are boosted or have completed a series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the last 6 months, or received the J&J vaccine within the last two months:
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days
  • Test on day 5, if possible
  • If symptoms develop get tested and stay home
  • If they are unvaccinated or completed a series of Pizer or Moderna vaccines over 6 months ago and are not boosted, or received the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago and are not boosted:
  • Stay home for 5 days after exposure and wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
  • If asymptomatic and quarantine is not possible, wear a mask around others for 10 days
  • Test on day 5, if possible
  • If symptoms develop get tested and stay home

In light of this new guidance, employers should consider reviewing and updating their policies related to COVID-19.  If you are an employer and would appreciate additional assistance, please contact our HR team by calling 724-864-8745 or by emailing us at .  We will be happy to help.

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