In an updated guidance released on December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced the recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population. The term “isolation” refers to the recommended behavior after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, while “quarantine” is the term that applies to the period following a person’s exposure to the virus or close contact with someone who has COVID-19. According to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the Omicron variant is spreading quickly, and the “CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses.”
Isolation: Those Who Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
For individuals who test positive for COVID-19, the isolation period has been reduced from ten days to five days. If such individuals are asymptomatic, they may leave isolation after five days if they can wear a mask to minimize the risk of infecting others. This recommendation applies to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status. According to the CDC, the majority of transmission occurs in the day or two prior to the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and the two to three days after.
Quarantine: Those Who Were Exposed to COVID-19 and (1) Are Unvaccinated, (2) Completed the Primary Series of Pfizer or Moderna More Than Six Months Ago and Are Not Boosted; or (3) Completed Johnson & Johnson More Than Two Months Ago and Are Not Boosted.
The CDC recommends five days of quarantine followed by five days of “strict” mask use for people in these categories. Alternatively, if a five-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for ten days after exposure. The CDC also recommends that any individual who has been exposed to COVID-19 should take a test on day five after exposure if possible. If the individual experiences symptoms, the CDC recommends quarantining immediately until a negative test result confirms that the symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
Quarantine: Those Who Were Exposed to COVID-19 and (1) Are Boosted, (2) Completed the Primary Series of Pfizer or Moderna Less Than Six Months Ago; or (3) Completed Johnson & Johnson Less Than Two Months Ago.
The CDC states that individuals in these categories do not have to quarantine but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. The CDC also recommends that any individual who has been exposed to COVID-19 should take a test on day five after exposure if possible. If the individual experiences symptoms, the CDC recommends quarantining immediately until a negative test result confirms that the symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
Please contact experienced counsel if you have any questions on how this guidance may apply to your company or its employees.