Credit: PA Internet News Service
Late last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued an advisory that they will be aligning quarantine guidance for people exposed to COVID-19 with that from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new CDC guidance states that those potentially exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine for 10 days rather than 14 days. A seven-day quarantine can be used if the potentially exposed person has a negative test after the first five days.
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“This guidance does not apply to health care settings or those living in certain congregate settings such as nursing homes or prisons,” the state health department said.
“We must stop the spread of this virus and quarantining once you have been exposed is essential,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “The incubation period for COVID-19 remains at 14 days and it is still most protective to quarantine for the full two weeks. However, the CDC has affirmed that quarantine can end after 10 days if the person doesn’t develop symptoms, or after seven days if the person tests negative and has no symptoms.”
“Reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to take this critical public health action by reducing the economic hardship associated with a longer period, especially if they cannot work during that time,” Dr. Henry Walke, the CDC’s COVID-19 Incident Manager, said in a call with reporters.
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“In addition, a shorter quarantine period can lessen stress on the public health system and communities, especially when new infections are rapidly rising,” he added.
Not all health officials agreed with the change to guidance.
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“It’s important to note that this does NOT contradict earlier guidelines. 14 days is still ideal!” wrote Ellie Murray, an epidemiologist who works at Boston University School of Public Health.
“When you start saying, ‘if you’re symptom-free, now you can get out of jail faster,’ I just think that people are going to minimize their symptoms,” Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care in New York City, told NBC News. “That sore throat, that’s a symptom. That little bit of congestion for some people, that’s a symptom. I see so many people that say, ‘Oh, it’s nothing.’”
“Anytime you give too much information to patients, it sort of stacks upon itself and becomes confusing,” he said. “That’s really what I see here and we’ve seen this unfortunately a number of times. The CDC has not been so well spoken.”
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Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
