Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Aug. 30, 2022
Rachel Davenport

On Thursday, August 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the COVID-19 quarantine, isolation, and physical distancing guidelines to reflect the changing status of the novel virus in the United States.

Quarantine guidance (e.g., you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19):

  • If you are exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are no longer required to quarantine but must wear a high-quality mask for ten days when around others (including other household members who have not tested positive) and should get a COVID-19 test on the fifth day after exposure, regardless of vaccination status. 

Isolation guidance (e.g., you yourself have tested positive for COVID-19):

  • Regardless of vaccination status, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must follow isolation precautions. These are as follows:
    • Stay home for at least 5 days, and wear a mask avoid contact with others
      • You may end isolation after day 5 if you have been fever free for 24 hours without medication and other symptoms are improving.
      • If you are ending your isolation period after 5 days, avoid seeing individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19, and continue to wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
      • If your symptoms worsen after ending isolation, restart on day 0 and remain isolated until day 5.
  • If you have or experienced moderate or severe illness that needed hospitalization, isolate yourself from others through day 10

Physical distancing:

  • The CDC no longer recommends individuals remain physically distanced to reduce the risk of exposure.
    • As COVID-19 is an airborne disease (spread through droplets when coughing, sneezing, etc.), it’s important to assess your surroundings; consider wearing a mask in large indoor groups, or when you feel most comfortable. 

Wearing a high-quality mask, being vaccinated, and avoiding crowded indoor areas will remain the greatest tactics to protect yourself against a COVID-19 infection.

Resources:

Share this article: