On August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 guidelines on exposure and isolation. Most of the changes to the guidelines apply to members of the general public. The agency is still developing specific guidance for healthcare workers and for people who live or work in high-risk group settings (e.g., corrections facilities, nursing homes).
The CDC now defines exposure as an interaction with a person with COVID-19 that involves multiple risk factors for transmission. These factors are (1) extended exposure times, (2) activities with elevated breathing (e.g., singing, exercise), (3) COVID-19 symptoms in the infected person, (4) both people without masks, (5) indoor areas with poor ventilation, and (6) interactions with close contact or touching.
When two or more of these risk factors are present, the exposed person should follow exposure guidelines:
If you are exposed to COVID-19 | If you test positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms |
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The CDC also issued updated guidelines for schools. Since at-home quarantines are no longer recommended, these updates remove “Test-to-Stay” programs in favor of screening testing in response to outbreaks or after high-risk activities (e.g., close contact sports, prom, group travel) during times when COVID-19 Community Levels are High.
The changes go into effect as Sedgwick County’s COVID-19 Community Level dropped to Medium on Thursday, August 18. The county’s level held at High for four consecutive weeks.
For additional information, visit:
SCHD: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/sampling-and-testing-information/quarantine-and-isolation-guidance/isolation-and-quarantine-guidance-for-general-public-including-k-12-schools/
KDHE: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/300/3663/If-You-Are-a-Close-Contact-to-Someone-Wi
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html