CDC Updates COVID-19 Quarantine Recommendations for General Population

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations for isolation and quarantine for the general population on Aug. 11, 2022. A press release is available here, and the CDC page on the recommendation is here. Members should note that the update is not for health care providers and staff in health care settings, but may be relevant for LeadingAge NY member staff serving in non-health care settings and for patients they serve in the community receiving home care, social or adult day health care, or other home and community-based services (HCBS). The CDC update may indicate that some flexibility is on the way for more restrictive settings, and LeadingAge NY will be sure to let members know if this is the case.

The CDC update treats both "up to date" and not "up to date" individuals the same for purposes of quarantine and isolation. If any individual is potentially exposed, that person should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days inside and test for COVID-19 at day five after the date of exposure. Exposed persons should also take precautions to avoid people who are likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Previously, a person not "up to date" would have had to quarantine for five days.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) isolation and quarantine guidance dated May 31, 2022 is still in effect. This guidance matches the old CDC recommendations. Further, members will find at the end of the document additional restrictions in congregate and other settings serving high-risk individuals. The guidance also notes that it does not pertain to nursing home staff and residents, who should follow Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and CDC guidance for that specific setting.

LeadingAge NY will be sure to keep members informed if the State or CMS issue updated guidance on this issue.

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871