CDC publishes options to reduce quarantine length

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published additional options to reduce the length of quarantine while still continuing to recommend a full 14-day quarantine as the most effective way to reduce disease spread. CDPHE will be updating its guidance to explain when other, less protective options might be appropriate.

A quarantine can only be shortened in the following situations:

— If exposed people do not develop symptoms, they may be released from quarantine after completing day seven if they have a negative molecular or antigen test collected within 48 hours of ending quarantine. The test should be collected at least five days after their exposure.

— People may stop quarantining after completing 10 days of quarantine without a test if they do not develop any symptoms.

Under no circumstances should the quarantine end before seven days have fully passed.

“We need everyone to do everything possible to avoid all in-person interactions with people they don’t live with, whether they’ve had a known exposure to COVID-19 or not,” said CDPHE state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy.

“The risks are too high right now with one in 41 Coloradans infected,” she continued. “The additional quarantine options provided by CDC give the public more flexibility on quarantining, which is sometimes necessary to sustain the response, allowing folks to do essential activities. But the gold standard remains to be a 14-day quarantine after any possible exposure.”

While people may leave quarantine earlier, if they follow these additional safety precautions they should continue to monitor themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19 for a full 14 days. Some people may not get sick until 14 days after their exposure. That is why it is also important to wear a mask and keep at least 6 feet of physical distance from others.

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