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COVID-19 Update: Quarantine Recommendations for Vaccinated Persons
February 24, 2021
The CDC and the California Department of Public Health have recently updated their COVID-19 quarantine recommendations for persons who have been fully vaccinated. OCHCA will update its health order in accordance with this guidance:

COVID-19-vaccinated persons with exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
  • Are fully vaccinated, having received either both doses of a two-dose series ≥2 weeks prior to COVID-19 exposure or one dose of a single-dose vaccine ≥2 weeks prior to COVID-19 exposure
  • Are within 90 days following receipt of the last dose in the series, AND
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

Persons who do not meet all 3 of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated persons who do not quarantine should still:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure.
  • Seek clinical evaluation if they develop symptoms, including SARS-CoV-2 testing if indicated.
  • Respond to calls or texts from OCHCA to assist in contact tracing efforts if requested to do so.

These criteria could also be applied when considering work restrictions for fully vaccinated healthcare personnel with higher-risk exposures, including household exposures, as a strategy to alleviate staffing shortages; however, if no staffing shortages exist, healthcare workers should still quarantine after higher-risk exposures until further data is available about the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing transmissibility.  Of note, exposed healthcare personnel would not be required to quarantine outside of work.

Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine according to guidance for healthcare settings following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19; outpatients should be cared for using appropriate Transmission-Based Precautions.

All vaccinated persons must continue to adhere to social distancing and masking measures in the community and job-specific PPE in work site settings.
Testing of Asymptomatic Persons Who are Fully Vaccinated:
The CDC and CDPH have not modified their recommendations for laboratory screening of asymptomatic persons who are fully vaccinated. OCHCA continues to strongly recommend routine screening of asymptomatic staff and residents of nursing homes.

In other settings where routine screening is being performed, such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces, consideration can be given to focusing screening on those who have not completed a vaccine series.

Fully-vaccinated persons who develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be tested and isolated pending results.
Contact Information:
For questions or concerns please contact the Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180.
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