Members & friends,
We have received several phone calls lately from employers and community members asking for clarification on the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for those who were exposed to or tested positive for Covid-19.
New CDC guidelines have recently been established regarding isolation, masking, and when it's safe to return to work.
Though guidelines are easily accessible online, many find the frequent changes frustrating and difficult to keep up with, which is what prompted this E-Blast.
Here's a summary, for your convenience:
Non-Healthcare Employers*
If an employee tests POSITIVE (+):
With Symptoms:
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Isolate for 5 days regardless of vaccine status from the onset of symptoms, not from the date of the positive test.
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After 5 days, may return to work on day 6 'with an improvement of symptoms and no fever for a full 24 hours. Must wear a mask for 5 additional consecutive (not work) days. If you cannot or will not wear a mask, stay home for five additional days (10 total).
- NEGATIVE tests are not required to return to work, as antibodies will trigger positive tests for an undetermined length of time.
No Symptoms:
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Isolate for 5 days beginning the day after the positive test.
- May return to work on day 6 and wear a mask for 5 additional consecutive (not work) days.
- NEGATIVE tests are not required to return to work, as antibodies will trigger positive tests for an undetermined length of time.
If EXPOSED to someone who tested positive.
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Fully Vaccinated* DO NOT need to stay at home if they were exposed to a positive-covid person, but MUST WEAR a mask for 10 days following exposure. A test after 5 days of exposure is recommended.
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NON-Vaccinated must stay home for 5 days after exposure to a positive person. A test after 5 days of exposure is recommended. After day 5 may return to work if no symptoms have appeared, and wear a mask for 5 days.
Note: Fully Vax’d definition has not included boosters.
Fully Vax’d means two shots have been administered.
*Guidelines vary slightly for Healthcare Workers. Click HERE for details.
CDC: For details and up-to-date changes, click HERE.
*Though the guidelines are less restrictive for fully-vaccinated individuals, please remember that fully-vaccinated and boosted individuals can still get and transmit Covid-19.
