CDC Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Periods

On December 27, the CDC updated its isolation and quarantine guidance, reducing recommended isolation from 10 days to 5 days for asymptomatic people and a 5-day quarantine period for people exposed to COVID-19.


Here are the new guidelines:



ISOLATE

If You Test Positive for COVID-19

Who:

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

What to do:
  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.


QUARANTINE

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

Who:

Anyone who is fully vaccinated/boosted, defined as:

  • Have been boosted
    OR
  • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
    OR
  • Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

What to do:
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.




Who:

Anyone considered not fully vaccinated, defined as:

  • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
    OR
  • Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
    OR
  • Are unvaccinated

What to do:
  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home



The CDC is not requiring a negative test to end isolation due to the fact that positive PCR tests can remain positive for up to 12-weeks after initial infection.


Read more about the updated guidance here.

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COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends.