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If you have struggled to keep up with the changes in best practices as we’ve moved through the pandemic, you are not alone. Employers have pandemic fatigue from years of continually changing guidance. The CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance once again on August 11th. But don’t fear – we break down everything you need to know from the old and new in a few easy paragraphs below.

Exposed

While still promoting the importance of vaccination, the CDC dropped its recommendation that those not fully vaccinated quarantine after an exposure. The CDC now recommends that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask for ten days after exposure. Those exposed should test after five days, and if positive, isolate immediately. If those exposed test negative after five days, they should continue to wear a mask for the remaining five days. 

Symptomatic

If, at any point, an exposed person develops symptoms, they should isolate and test. It is also still a best practice for those who are symptomatic, regardless of known exposure, to stay home and isolate themselves for five days (though the CDC has indicated it is reviewing its webpage “What To Do If You Are Sick” to align with its updated guidance.)

Positive

Those who test positive should stay home and isolate for five days. If they have no symptoms, they can leave isolation on Day 6 and continue to wear a mask through Day 10.

Those who had symptoms may end isolation after Day 5 if they have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. They should also continue to wear a mask. 

While there is no testing requirement, those with access to antigen tests and who have two sequential negative tests 48 hours apart may remove their mask sooner than ten days.

Those who had moderate (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) or severe (hospitalization) illness, or those with weakened immune systems, should continue to isolate through day 10. Different isolation protocols for these people may be necessary after consultation with their health care providers. Employers should be mindful of those employees who may need additional time to isolate and recover.

For those whose symptoms recur or worsen after isolation is ended, isolation starts over as day zero and consult their health care provider.

All who have been exposed should avoid being around those who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11. Please refer to the CDC links above, and feel free to contact Employers Council with questions.