COVID-19 Information

Public Health Advisory – Isolation and Quarantine

Guidelines on Isolation and Quarantine

Updated as of Sept. 20, 2021

Isolating is mandatory if you test positive for COVID-19 because even if you do not have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, you can pass on the coronavirus to loved ones who are less healthy and they could get sick with COVID-19.

Avoid infecting your loved ones and others in the community. Protect them by preventing them from getting sick.

Isolation means no or very little contact with anyone in your household.

• If you do test positive, isolate the minimum of 10 days. To leave isolation after day 10 your symptoms should be improving and you must have no fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.

Quarantining means no or very little contact with anyone outside your household. You must quarantine if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

• If you are unvaccinated and have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, get a PCR test 3-5 days after exposure, quarantine in home for 10 days. If you do not have symptoms you may come out of day 11 but need to mask and social distance for 4 more days.
• If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is considered as having a probable case, you must remain quarantined for the 10 days the positive person is in isolation. YOUR quarantine begins after day 10 – this means you have an additional 10 days (as above) to monitor that you do not begin symptoms.
• Close contact can mean being 6 feet or nearer for 15 minutes or longer, hugging or kissing and sharing eating utensils.

If exposed to someone who has tested positive, you may not have to quarantine if you have no symptoms since being exposed and if you:

• are fully vaccinated; at least 2 weeks since second or only dose – but you must mask while in a public indoor setting for 14 days or if you get a negative COVID test 3-5 days after exposure.
  OR
• had a positive COVID-19 test in 90 days before the new exposure
  OR
• have a positive antibody test and do not work in healthcare or have no contact with older adults or less healthy people; had known exposure in the past and have a positive antibody test 3 months before the new exposure OR receive a positive antibody test within 7 days after the exposure

Public health relies on all our efforts to prevent the spread of disease and to protect each other. Wash hands frequently.

Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, get tested for COVID-19 when you feel any of the symptoms: fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue or tiredness, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Additional guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health as of Oct. 8, 2021

Guidance flowcharts

• Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals
• Isolation Flow Chart
• Quarantine Guidance for Exposure to a Close Contact
• Quarantine Guidance for Household Contacts