• We continue to recommend the use of appropriate PPE including NIOSH-approved N95 respirator (or equivalent or higher level respirator), gown, gloves, and eye protection when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• For source control, we / CDC continues to recommend universal use of well-fitting source control for everyone in a healthcare setting. Healthcare personnel options for source control include:
• N95 respirators or equivalent or high-level respirators
• A respirator approved under standards used in other countries that are similar to NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators OR
• A well-fitting facemask (e.g., selection of a facemask with a nose wire to help the facemask conform to the face; selection of a facemask with ties rather than ear loops; use of a mask fitter; tying the facemask’s ear loops and tucking in the side pleats; fastening the facemask’s ear loops behind the wearer’s head; use of a cloth mask over the facemask to help it conform to the wearer’s face)

1. Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine) AND
2. Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series AND
3. Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure.

•  These updated quarantine criteria could be applied when considering work restrictions for fully vaccinated healthcare personnel with higher-risk exposures as a strategy to alleviate staffing shortages.              
• Residents/patients: Vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This exception is due to the unknown vaccine effectiveness in this population, the higher risk of severe disease and death, and challenges with social distancing in healthcare settings.
• This applies to new admissions.