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. 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. 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