COVID-19: Updated Quarantine Options

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) continue to recommend a 14-day quarantine period as the best option for anyone exposed to COVID-19.

Th 14-day period is especially preferred for people in these situations:

• Living in, working at, or visiting congregate living facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, jails, etc.
• High density workplaces where social distancing can be hard to maintain
• Other settings with potential for extensive transmission such as healthcare, schools, etc.
• Have had contact with people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19

Options have now been added to encourage people to comply with the quarantine period.

This is based on the risk of becoming symptomatic decreasing as the number of days since someone’s last exposure to a COVID-positive person increases.

10-day option
Quarantine may end after 10 days from the last date of exposure if the person has no COVID-19 like symptoms.

This may be an option for those who do not work, live or frequent the settings listed above in the 14 day quarantine section.

7-day option
Quarantine may end after 7 days from the last date of exposure if the person has a negative COVID-19 viral test result.

The test has to be taken at least 5 days after the last date of exposure.

CDC shortens recommended isolation and quarantine period for those who are asymptomatic
December 28, 2021 – CDC has shortened the recommended isolation time for people with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic, from 10 days to five days, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. If the positive person cannot wear a mask, then they should stay home for the second five-day period.

Click here for more information.

Regardless of the quarantine period length, people should continue to monitor their symptoms for 14 days.

Anyone who would have symptoms in the 14 days would still be considered to be a probable case and would need to follow isolation guidance.

Guidance for those who are fully-vaccinated

Definition of fully-vaccinated – this means that two weeks or more have passed since receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (Moderna and Pfizer) or two weeks or more have passed since receiving one dose of a single-dose vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson)

Fully-vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are advised to:

• Be tested 5-7 days after exposure
• Wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following the exposure
• Follow recommended isolation protocols if they develop symptoms of COVID-19

However, they are not required to quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

• They are fully-vaccinated with a vaccine currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization
• Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

Resources & Links

Centers for Disease Control Quarantine and Isolation Information

Ohio Department of Health Covid-19 Quarantine Guidance – updated 12.30.21