CDC Updates Recommended COVID Isolation Time

In an announcement On Monday December 27th that will impact all employers, the CDC updated their recommended times for when an individual who tests positive needs to isolate for. Those who are asymptomatic are now only recommended to isolate for 5 days after testing positive, but recommended to wear a mask for at least 5 days after the quarantine ends.

Additionally, the CDC shortened the recommended time of quarantine if an individual comes into is exposed to another infected person. If an individual is exposed, the clock starts the day they are notified, and individuals who are boosted can skip quarantine if they continue to wear a mask in all settings for at least 10 days. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partly vaccinated, or have received either 1 Johnson & Johnson dose/2 Pfizer or Moderna doses are now recommended to quarantine for 5 days, and to continue wearing masks in all settings for 5 days afterward.

This blog article is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion.  Contact myHRcounsel with questions about the use and enforcement of vaccine mandates. As a reminder, we provide our clients with an OSHA-compliant policy, forms for employees to request religious and medical exemptions, and forms for employees who have lost or cannot produce physical proof of vaccination to attest to vaccination status, customized for your organization.