Washington and Ozaukee Counties - Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the 14-day quarantine length for close contacts can be shortened to 7 -10 days. As long as individuals do not have any symptoms, they can end their quarantine after 7 days and a negative test result or 10 days without a test. CDC states that the “gold standard” quarantine length remains 14 days, as the incubation period for the COVID-19 virus is 2- 14 days. Close contacts should monitor for symptoms each day for the full 14 days, even if they end their quarantine on days 7 – 10.
The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department will support the CDC 10-day quarantine for close contacts, as long as they remain symptom-free. If individuals wish to end their quarantine at day 7 with a negative test, they will need to coordinate with their employer or school for early release. The health department is not able to provide proof of negative test results to end quarantine. Test results can be obtained via e-mail when tested at a WI National Guard testing site, or should be requested from the medical facility that ordered testing.
For resources and guidance pertaining to quarantine and other COVID-19 information, visit the health department website at www.washozwi.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. For other questions, call the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department at 262-284-8170 or e-mail covid19@washozwi.gov.
