COVID-19 Update
(September 2021)
(Click here to download a copy of the COVID Update.) 

What to do if you’ve had Exposure to COVID-19:

NON-Vaccinated People:
Quarantine for 14 days

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
• Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk
  for getting very sick from COVID-19.

FULLY Vaccinated People:
Do NOT need to quarantine, unless they develop symptoms

• Should be tested for COVID 3-5 days after the date of exposure
• Should wear a mask in public for 14 days after the date of exposure

When can someone who has been exposed return to work:

• After a 14 day quarantine OR
• After 10 days of quarantine without symptoms and no COVID test is required OR
• After 7 days of quarantine and the person must have a negative COVID test anytime
  after day 5

What to do if you get infected with COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19:
Isolate yourself at home until it is safe to be with others.

• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately, including:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils
• Wear a mask when around other people if able.

Someone who has had COVID with Symptoms may discontinue isolation:

• 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
• 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving

NOTE: Severe cases (hospitalization, ventilation) may need to isolate 20 days.

Someone who has had COVID without Symptoms may discontinue isolation:

• 10 days since you first tested positive for COVID

DEFINITIONS:

Exposure:  If you’ve had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Close Contact:  If you’ve been within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes
or more over a 24-hour period.
Quarantine: Restriction of a person’s movement.
Isolation: Separation from other people.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021, September 18). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/

This GAWDA COVID-19 Update is issued by GAWDA Consultant Marilyn Dempsey.
Please contact Marilyn for further information.