The CDC issued new recommendations for isolation on 12-27-2021 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

Isolation refers to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others

If you DO NOT have symptoms and have a positive test:

Isolate at home until:

5 days after positive test specimen was collected

If you DO have symptoms and have a positive test:

Isolate at home for 5 days after the date of your positive test AND

You are without fever greater than 100.4 F for 24 hours, AND

Other symptoms are improving

After 5 days, if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are mild and resolving, you may leave your house but must continue to wear a mask at all times for another 5 additional days.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.

Close contacts who are fully vaccinated and do not have symptoms do not need to quarantine but should be tested 5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask around others for 10 days or until you receive a negative test result. Isolate and follow appropriate guidance if you test positive. If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

Close contacts who are not fully vaccinated or

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted.

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.

-If you test positive, you do not need to be retested for ‘clearance’ to return to your regular activities. The COVID test can remain positive for weeks even after you improve and can no longer spread the disease.

If you are on chemotherapy or immune lowering drugs, talk to your provider, as you may be infectious for a longer time period.

The Health Department may call you to discuss your contacts. Your close contacts and family members should stay home (unless they need medical care) until the Health Department talks to them.

If you have general questions, contact your healthcare provider or The Everett Clinic at 425-339-5420. If you have concerns about your symptoms, or if you were tested in the drive thru and would like to see a provider, please call 425-257-1400 to schedule a virtual visit.

Symptoms of COVID-19 virus illness include cough, shortness of breath, fever/chills, muscle aches, headache, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell. Other symptoms less often include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Definition of significant exposure to COVID-19: close contact (within 6 ft) OR prolonged contact (total of 15 min) with a known positive person.  This can include living in same household, caring for someone, recreating or working with someone who is a known positive if you were in close or prolonged contact.

Information about COVID (symptoms, exposure, and recommendations for isolation) are rapidly changing.  For the most up to date information, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.