December 4, 2020 | Category: COVID-19

Until recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance was that individuals who have had close contact with a confirmed positive or a suspected positive COVID case quarantine for a period of 14 days. However, understanding the burdens a 14-day quarantine imposes on businesses and individuals, the CDC has updated its guidance providing options to shorten this quarantine period without increasing the risk of COVID transmission.

Option 1: 10 Days Without COVID Testing

Under the new guidance, a person who has had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case and remains asymptomatic can discontinue quarantine after 10 days. No testing is required to end self-isolation.

This option is recommended when testing is unavailable or resources are not sufficient.

Option 2: 7 Days With a Negative COVID Test

Under the new guidance, a person who has had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case and is experiencing no symptoms during daily symptom monitoring can discontinue quarantine after 7 days if he/she has a negative COVID-19 test. The test should be taken on or after the 5th day of self-isolation as recent data shows that those exposed to COVID-19 will likely develop the infection by the 5th day after exposure.

This option is only recommended when testing resources are sufficient and available.

Under both options, the CDC recommends continued symptom monitoring and face coverings until 14 days has passed since their most recent exposure.

Nevada Association of Employers (NAE) will continue to monitor the latest developments on the state and federal response to the COVID-19 and provide updates to ensure Nevada businesses stay informed and compliant. If you have questions about this new guidance from the CDC or other issues related to COVID-19 and your business, please contact us at info@nevadaemployers.org or (888) 398-8092.