TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—The New York State Department of Health has published updated guidelines regarding quarantines after an exposure to someone who tests positive for COVID-19, lowering the number of required quarantine days from 14 to 10 as long as no symptoms are observed.
If there are no symptoms, a test is not required to stop quarantining. The new state guidelines are essentially copying those that have already been updated by the Centers for Disease Control, which were issued on Dec. 2, 2020.
The same quarantine requirements apply to people traveling into New York from out of state, besides essential workers, who do not complete the testing requirement for those coming into New York.
Beyond the new 10 day quarantine period, the other requirements from the state are as follows:
- Individuals must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;
- Individuals must be counseled to continue strict adherence to all recommended
non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face
coverings, through Day 14. - Individuals must be advised that if any symptoms develop, they should
immediately self-isolate and contact the local public health authority or their
healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they
should seek testing.
More detailed guidance from the Tompkins County Department of Health is coming later this week.