CDC Reduces Isolation Time for Individuals Exposed to COVID-19

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On Monday, December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) shortened its recommended isolation time for individuals exposed to COVID-19. Guidelines now recommend that individuals who are unvaccinated or have not received the vaccine booster quarantine for five (5) days, followed by strict mask use for an additional five (5) days. Individuals who have received their vaccine booster do not need to quarantine following an exposure but should wear a fitted mask for the ten (10) days following the exposure. For all individuals who have been exposed, the CDC advises that best practice is to receive a test five (5) days after the initial exposure.

As part of its update, the CDC also reduced the quarantine period for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic from ten (10) days to five (5) days. If individuals remain asymptomatic following the five (5) day isolation period, they may leave quarantine if they continue to mask for five (5) days. Massachusetts has adopted CDC guidelines as follows:

  • Isolation: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate for five (5) days. If, after those five (5) days individuals remain asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving, they may leave isolation if they continue to mask for five (5) days.
  • Quarantine: Individuals exposed to COVID-19 who are asymptomatic and have received the COVID-19 booster or have completed the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last six months do not need to quarantine following an exposure. In lieu of quarantine, however, individuals must wear a fitted mask for the ten (10) days following the exposure and, if possible, receive a test five (5) days after the initial exposure.
  • Quarantine: Individuals exposed to COVID-19 who are asymptomatic but are unvaccinated or are eligible for the booster and have not yet received it should quarantine for five (5) days, followed by strict mask use for an additional five (5) days. If quarantine is not possible individuals must wear a mask for ten (10) days. If possible exposed individuals should receive a test five (5) days after the initial exposure.

This update is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.