What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Exposure to COVID-19 can result in the need to quarantine or isolate. Clark adheres to these guidelines set out by the CDC:
- People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms, in which case, a health care provider should be contacted for guidance.
- Fully vaccinated people should get tested 5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and diligently wear a mask in all indoor spaces for 10 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
- People should quarantine for 5 days if they have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19. This should be followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
- If a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.
- People who are a close contact of someone who has tested positive will be contacted by Health Services Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss this process.
- Quarantining includes limiting direct contact with others. It also requires paying attention to possible symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
- Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected.
- During isolation, direct contact with others should be avoided until it’s safe to do so.
- Stay in a separate room from others, use a separate bathroom if possible, and do not share personal household items.
- According to CDC guidelines, anyone who tests positive must isolate a minimum of 5 days, and then continue in isolation up to a total of 10 days if they are still symptomatic. After 5 days, if they are asymptomatic (including no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication), they may leave isolation while wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. According to the CDC, an antigen test may also be used to clear from isolation, though this is not currently required.
- Please note that Individuals who test positive are excluded from PCR testing (such as the tests performed in the Clark testing center) for 90 days following a positive result. If you test positive outside of Clark and have questions about further testing, please contact covid-19-testing@clarku.edu.
Want to Know More?
Learn more about quarantine and isolation on the CDC website.