DHD#10 Moves Forward With New CDC COVID Guidelines

District Health Department #10 announced Thursday that they are moving forward with the CDC’s updated quarantine and isolation guidelines for the general population.

The health department asks that special population such as schools, congregate care settings, daycares, jails, etc. continue following existing guidelines until the updated guidance is provided.

This comes after the stating that Michigan will wait to move forward with the CDC’s new guidance, and continues to follow existing quarantine and isolation guidelines for all populations, including general and special populations, until more guidance is provided by the CDC.

DHD#10 notes that they plan to move forward with the CDC’s updated guidelines for the general population, but will only emphasize that masking during days 6-10 are crucial for the effort to be effective.

“We understand that the difference in guidance between the CDC and MDHHS is causing frustration and confusion,” stated DHD#10 Health Officer, Kevin Hughes. “At this time, DHD#10 stands by our decision to move forward with the new CDC guidance for quarantine and isolation for the general population but urge individuals to closely follow the masking requirement spelled out for days 6-10. For special populations, such as schools, residential care facilities, daycares, and jails, we ask that these groups continue to follow the guidance they currently have in place while the CDC and MDHHS work to determine the best approach to quarantine and isolation.”

DHD#10’s announcement comes after the CDC updated their guidance on Dec. 27, effective immediately.

The CDC states in their release that they are shortening the recommended timeframe for isolation and quarantine from others for those who have the coronavirus and are asymptomatic, as well as those who have been exposed to the virus.

The CDC says the change was motivated by science which demonstrated that most COVID transmission occurs early in the course of the illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.

You can find a breakdown of the guidance from the CDC below:

• If you test positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)
  • Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:
    • Stay home for 5 days
    • If no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house
    • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
    • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
  • If you have been boosted OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within 6 months OR completed the primary series of Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last 2 months:
    • Wear a mask around others for 10 days
    • Test on day 5, if possible
    • Quarantine not required unless you develop symptoms, after which, get tested and stay home for 5 days

• If you completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of Johnson & Johnson over 2 months ago and are not boosted OR have an incomplete vaccine series OR are unvaccinated:
  •  Stay home (quarantine) for 5 days
  • After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
  • If you can’t quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days
  • Test on day 5 if possible
  • If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home

DHD#10 notes that there are various resources for contact tracing across Michigan. They say the guidance you receive if you test positive or are a close contact may vary depending on what specific contact tracers and case investigators are following.

If you live in DHD#10’s ten-county jurisdiction and are not a part of the special population, which includes schools, daycare, or a congregate setting, you can follow the new CDC quarantine and isolation guidance.

If you are a part of the special population, such as being a student or staff member of a school, a resident or staff member in a long-term care facility, a child or employee of a daycare, etc., it is recommended that you follow the MDHHS’ current guidance for your specific population, according to DHD#10.

For more information on the coronavirus,