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:
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ISOLATE
If You Test Positive for COVID-19
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Who: |
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
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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.
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QUARANTINE
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated.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.
