CloseContact ShutterFly

Close Contact

updated 2/4/2022

Please note: Based on community spread, it is recommended that everyone continue to wear masks when around other people regardless of exposure or illness.

This guidance is intended for the general public. There may be additional recommendations and guidance for specific settings, such as healthcare, congregate living, schools, or travel. For setting-specific guidance, please see the CDC website for more information. 

 

You are a "close contact" if any of the following happened while spending time with someone who has COVID-19, even if they didn't have symptoms (with or without a mask on):

  • Had direct physical contact with the person (for example, a hug, kiss, or handshake).
  • Were within 6 feet of the person for a total of more than 15 minutes in a single day.
  • Had contact with the person's respiratory secretions (for example, coughed or sneezed on; contact with a dirty tissue; shared a drinking glass, food, towels, or other personal items).
  • Live with the person or stayed overnight for at least one night in a house with the person.

If you are a close contact, there is a significant risk that you could be infected and pass this disease to others, even if you have no symptoms. In order to prevent spreading this infection to others, and protect public health, you should follow the quarantine guidelines below. 

 

QUARANTINE means:

1. Remain at your current residence as much as possible, only leaving if absolutely necessary (medical appointment, prescription refill, medical supplies, essential food). This also means not attending work, school, or extracurricular activities during your quarantine.

2. Have no contact with anyone other than those you live with. 

3. Not have anyone who is not part of your household enter your home, with the exception of law enforcement and emergency responders. (Let them know you are on quarantine for COVID-19 before they enter your home.)

4. Limit contact with those you live with as much as possible. *If nobody in your household has tested positive or been in contact with someone who tested positive, your household members do NOT need to quarantine. However, they should minimize contact with others as much as possible.

5. If you or someone you live with should develop symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, then your entire household may need to quarantine as soon as possible. 

 

DURATION OF QUARANTINE:

If you are unvaccinated OR not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations:

  • You should quarantine for at least 5 days from the date of your last contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You should also adhere to strict mask-wearing for an additional 5 days.
  • If you are not able to quarantine, it is imperative that you wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.
  • If there is continuous exposure*, your quarantine time may be longer than 5 days since you must continue your quarantine for 5 days after your most recent exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. 

 * The most common source of continuous exposure is a household member who has tested positive for COVID-19.

If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations: 

  • You should adhere to strict mask-wearing for at least 10 days after exposure to COVID-19.
  • You do not need to quarantine as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you start having symptoms, you should follow the same quarantine guidelines for unvaccinated individuals above until a negative test confirms that the symptoms are not due to COVID-19.

Please continue to follow the requirements of your employer or school for quarantine and return to work or school.

Other Guidance:

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should get tested 5 days after exposure. You should also wear a mask in public and monitor yourself for symptoms for at least 10 days after the exposure. 
 
Additional quarantine recommendations may exist for patients receiving inpatient care in a healthcare setting, residents of long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers. These individuals should follow specific CDC guidance for their situation. 
 
During times of high volume, we may not be able to reach you by phone so please read carefully the educational materials provided regarding quarantine. Please call the Rock County Public Health Department at 608-757-5440 if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 to discuss further instructions.