As of December 28, 2021, Pitkin County Public Health has aligned with the new CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine due to COVID-19.
The recommended isolation time for individuals testing positive for COVID-19 is shortened from 10 to 5 days, if asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving on day 5, followed by an additional 5 days wearing a mask when around others. This change is based on data showing that the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness.
Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test at day five after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
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