COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced that based on the new recommendations from the CDC and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services they are changing their isolation and quarantine guidance for people who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 which would align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols.
They say if an individual should test positive, the new isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status, calls for that person to stay home for five days. That person can leave their home after five days if they have no symptoms or the symptoms are resolved. They will have to continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days. If there is a fever, that person will have to stay home until the fever resolves.
This new guidance applies to the general population and may not apply to healthcare workers, those residing in congregate living settings, K-12 schools, or people who work with individuals in high-risk groups.
The guidance is also subject to change based on new information received by the agency as science evolves and recommendations are updated.
The CDC says current science indicates the majority of COVID-19 transmission happens early in the illness, generally in the first one to two days before symptoms start and the two to three days thereafter.
For people who are not fully vaccinated, or if it has been more than six months since they received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or more than two months since receiving the J&J vaccine and have not received a booster:
· Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
· If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
· Test on day 5 if possible.
· If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
· For people who are fully vaccinated, meaning it has been 2 weeks since the last dose of vaccine, and have received a booster dose:· Wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure
· Test five days after the exposure.
· If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
Medical Director Doctor Karen Luparello says, “The new guidelines will allow residents to return to school, work, and activities, while still slowing the spread of COVID-19. The key will be for residents to remain at home if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, until they are tested and have a negative test result. If someone has symptoms and tests negative on a rapid with pending PCR results, they should stay isolated until the PCR results come back. If negative, then they have more confidence to leave isolation.”
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “The community transmission rate in our area remains high, as defined by the CDC. We encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination or booster doses to schedule an appointment at any provider convenient to you. Many pharmacies, healthcare offices, and hospitals are offering vaccination and booster doses.”
Appointment for the New Year with the Health Agency are available at www.bhsj.org/scheduling.
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