Degrees of Separation (9/22 Update)

Although hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID are down significantly from previous highs, COVID infections continue to be disruptive and potentially dangerous. Below are the updated recommendation regarding quarantine and isolation should you or someone around you become infected.

Zero Degrees

If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID, you should isolate to prevent exposure to others.  If your symptoms worsen, you should be in contact with your doctor, or seek emergency help.  Medication specifically targeting COVID may be appropriate, particularly if you are at high risk for severe disease.

COVID is considered contagious for at least 10 days following the onset of symptoms (or a positive test if asymptomatic). The current recommendation is to isolate for the first 5 days of that period, and then adhere to strict masking, with a quality mask, for the remaining 5 days. You should avoid unnecessary exposure to others, particularly those at high risk, during the entire duration.

Most people do not need repeat testing at the end of the 10 day period, as long as they are no longer symptomatic.

One Degree

If you’ve been in direct contact with someone who has now tested positive for COVID, I recommend self-monitoring for symptoms and being mindful of interactions with others.  Strictly follow social distancing, hand washing and mask recommendations. Direct contact would be considered contact within six feet, without masks.  This would include household contacts, co-workers, etc.  The time you spend with the person increases your risk, and indoor exposure seems to increase risk when compared to outdoor exposure. Current CDC guidelines don’t recommend quarantine based on exposure.

Testing is recommended approximately 5-7 days after your last exposure, particularly if you are at high risk for severe illness.

Two Degrees

At this point, almost everyone in our area has had contact with “someone-who-was-around-someone” who had COVID.  There are no specific guidelines for these situations, but I think some general measures are appropriate.  You should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID, and limit the number of people you contact for at least 10 days, similar to the above recommendations.  You should also stay in touch with those who had direct contact with the COVID-positive person.  If one of them tests positive, or becomes symptomatic, then you’ve moved from two degrees of separation to one.

In general, it is probably wise for everyone to behave as though they are only two degrees removed from a positive case, as this is likely true for most.