On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance shortening
the recommended isolation and quarantine period for individuals who test positive for
COVID-19 from 10 days to five, if symptoms are no longer
present<https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quaranti…ml>.
After the five-day quarantine period is over, the CDC recommends that a mask be worn for
an additional five days. In the release, the CDC mentioned that this decision was
motivated by data demonstrating that the majority of virus transmission occurs early in
the course of illness.
The CDC also updated its guidance related to COVID-19 exposures. For people who are
unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second dose of either the Pfizer
or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines or more than 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson
COVID-19 Vaccine and not yet boosted, the CDC now recommends quarantining for 5 days
followed by mask-use for an additional 5 days. Individuals who have received their booster
shot do not need to be quarantined following an exposure, but the CDC recommends wearing a
mask for 10 days after the exposure.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated people who have been in close contact with someone with
COVID-19 should get tested after an exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should
immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to
COVID-19. To find a testing location in New Jersey, visit:
covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing<https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing>ng>. If you are
interested in getting a rapid before or after your holiday gatherings, the BinaxNOW
COVID-19 rapid test can be picked up at your local drugstore.
As a reminder, the NJDOH and Vault have partnered to offer free at-home PCR COVID-19
saliva tests. You can request a free test kit by visiting:
https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/.
Have a great night, and take care,
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township