Quarantine/Isolation Guidelines for TWU

Who must isolate

All individuals who test positive must stay home and avoid others for at least five full days after the date of symptom onset or the date of their positive test, whichever is later.
Those who have not tested positive, but are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, should also stay home and avoid others.
CDC guidelines recommend that individuals wear masks when around others for the five days of isolation and the five days that follow.

Who must quarantine

Quarantine is no longer required per CDC guidelines. However, individuals who have been exposed* to a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual during their infectious period* should follow precautions for at least ten full days after the last date of exposure, including wearing well-fitting masks, monitoring for symptoms daily, and isolating immediately and testing for COVID-19 if symptoms develop.
CDC guidelines recommend that individuals get tested five full days after their exposure regardless of symptom presence; if individuals test positive for COVID-19, they should follow isolation protocols.

COVID exposure protocols

Definitions*

Infectious period: Two days (48 hours) prior to symptom onset, or the date the positive test was administered, through the 5th full day after symptom onset or test date OR when symptoms have resolved, whichever is later.
Exposure: Contact within 6 feet for greater than 10 cumulative minutes throughout a 24-hour period with a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual during their infectious period.

Contact Tracing FAQ

When can I return after I’ve isolated / quarantined?

Isolation

According to the CDC, individuals who have COVID-19 or have symptoms should isolate for at least 5 days. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms developed or the test specimen was collected.

Isolation can be ended for symptomatic individuals after 5 full days if they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving. Isolation for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 but were asymptomatic (did not have symptoms) can be ended at least 5 full days after their positive test.

If an individual got very sick from COVID-19, or has a weakened immune system, they should isolate for at least 10 days and consult with their medical provider before ending isolation.

After ending isolation, precautions should be taken for an additional 5 days, including wearing a well-fitting mask if they must be around others, avoiding contact with those who may become very sick if infected with COVID-19, and avoiding travel for at least full 10 days after their symptom onset or positive test.

Quarantine

Quarantine following exposure is no longer required. However, according to the CDC, individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 should follow precautions, including wearing a well-fitting mask, for at least ten full days. Day 0 is the date of the last exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. Day 1 is the first full day after the exposure to a person who has COVID-19. CDC guidelines recommend that exposed individuals get tested five full days after their exposure.

If an exposed individual begins experiencing symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow COVID-19 isolation procedures.

Page last updated 3:56 PM, March 13, 2024