Your COVID-19 Questions & Answers
Response from Tom Belhorn
Q:
I have heard there are more cases of COVID in the community now including people who have no symptoms. I am sure some will present to the ED and clinics. Do I have to be on quarantine if I encounter an infected person with no symptoms?
A:
Individuals in an active early stage of infection with respiratory symptoms, especially coughing, are most likely to infect others. However, there is the chance (much less) that an asymptomatic individual may spread infection to others, especially if there is prolonged close contact. When such an encounter is identified, occupational health (for faculty and staff) and infection prevention (for patients) use an algorithm established through the guidance of the CDC and current literature to assess the degree of exposure and make decisions regarding the need for quarantine. Therefore, quarantine is not automatic, but dependent upon this risk assessment.