Isolation Protocols - Testing
The State of New Jersey has adopted the CDC guidelines that require a 5-day isolation period for individuals who test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19. The key elements of the 5-Day Isolation Guidelines are described below.
IF VACCINATED:
-If you test positive and have symptoms of COVID-19, start counting the 5-day isolation period on the date of your positive test or the first day of symptoms. The day of your positive test or start of symptoms is counted as Day 0 (meaning, the next day is your Day 1 of the 5-day isolation period).
-If you test positive and start out without symptoms, but get symptoms within a 10-day period, begin the 5-day count again on the day you develop symptoms. The day you develop symptoms is counted as Day 0 (meaning, the next day is your Day 1 of the new 5-day isolation period).
-On Day 6, if your symptoms are gone or are getting better, you may leave isolation but wear a mask until Day 11.
-On Day 6, if you have a fever, continue in isolation until your fever is gone or you begin to feel better, and wear a mask until at least Day 11. Note that fever-free means your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
-If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms. Even if you don't develop symptoms, get tested within 5 days after your close contact with someone with COVID-19. Watch for symptoms and wear a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days. If symptoms occur, isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to isolate and wear a mask around others until you know the results.
IF UNVACCINATED:
-If you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, follow the steps for vaccinated individuals described above.
-If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19, quarantine for at least 5 full days, counting days as described above, and wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home. Follow with strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Get tested within 5 days after you had close contact with the individual, even if you are asymptomatic.
-After quarantine, watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to isolate until you know the results. Wear a well-fitted mask around others.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 WITHIN THE PAST 90 DAYS:
-If you already had your own confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days, and you have close contact with someone with COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms.
Per the CDC, the new 5-day isolation guidelines apply to the general community regardless of vaccination status. Individuals with moderate or severe illness, those with weakened immune systems and those living in high-risk or group settings may need to isolate longer than 5 days.
Key additional guidance to follow while at home in isolation includes: do not host visitors, stay in a separate part of your house, and use a different bathroom if one is available.
We will continue to monitor the current state of the pandemic and related requirements and guidance, and keep our community informed.