As of 12/30/21 – CDC is updating the recommended quarantine and isolation periods for anyone in the general public who is exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive.
- For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA (Pfizer & Moderna) dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted and have been exposed:
- CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. You can be seen in the office after the five-day quarantine period.
- Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.
- Individuals who are still within the six-month period after the second mRNA vaccine or are within the 2-month period after the J&J vaccine or have received their booster shot and have been exposed:
- Do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. You can be seen in the office.
- In General:
- For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure.
- If symptoms occur after an exposure, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. (See below)
- People with a confirmed case of COVID-19:
- Should isolate for 5 days or until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19 (whichever is longer). You can’t be seen in the office during this time.
- If you are asymptomatic or your symptoms are resolving (without fever reducing medications for 24 hours), you can then be seen in the office. Patients should follow isolation by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
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