Austin Public Health has released updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantining to reflect changes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.
While the CDC continues to say the 14 day quarantine is the most protective, local and national data suggest that, in some circumstances, a shorter quarantine may provide ample protection against the spread of COVID-19.
The quarantine length will be determined based on the exposure risk and risk of transmitting the virus to those who could develop severe symptoms from the virus, health officials say.
The updated recommendations are as follows:
•If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you do live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine for the full 14 days.
•If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, the following guidance applies:
- Quarantine for 10 days, monitoring your symptoms OR quarantine for 7 days, monitoring your symptoms AND receive a negative COVID-19 test on or after the 5th day following exposure.
- If you are a healthcare worker or first responder, quarantine for 7 days, monitoring your symptoms AND receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test result on or after the 7th day following exposure.
