On December 27, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised recommendations for people who test positive for or are exposed to COVID-19. The updated guidelines reflect recent evidence that transmission of the now-prevalent Omicron variant typically occurs 1-2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and 2-3 days after. The recommendations are also aimed at returning people to work as quickly and safely as possible in the face of nationwide staffing shortages. The CDC’s updated recommendations provide:
| After positive COVID-19 test (regardless of vaccination status) | Isolate at home for 5 days
If you have no symptoms or symptoms have fully resolved after 5 days, you may leave your home but continue to mask for 5 more days. |
| After COVID-19 exposure for people who are not vaccinated or who are more than 6 months out from their second dose of vaccine and not yet boosted | Quarantine for 5 days and then mask for 5 more days
If quarantine is not feasible, mask for 10 days. Note: the day of exposure is considered day zero (0) |
| After COVID-19 exposure for people who are boosted or completed the primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series within the last 6 months, or who completed the J&J vaccine series within the last two months | Mask for 10 days
Note: the day of exposure is considered day zero (0) |
| After COVID-19 exposure (regardless of vaccination status) | If possible, take a COVID-19 test on day 5 following exposure.
If you develop symptoms at any time during the quarantine or masking period, get a test and begin isolation at home. Note: the day of exposure is considered day zero (0) |
The new CDC recommendations should provide some relief to the many US employers dealing with staffing challenges related to COVID-19.
Lake Effect is here to answer your questions about federal, state, and local regulations that impact employers across all industries. We continue to monitor important legal and HR developments, as well as COVID-related updates from federal, state, and local authorities. Please watch our blogs and emails for these important updates, as well as discussions of how compliance meets culture. To dive into these issues, contact us at info@le-hrlaw.com or 1-844-333-5253.
