Isolation and Quarantine for the General Public
Humboldt County has aligned with new state guidance that allows for shorter isolation and quarantine periods for people who have been infected with or exposed to COVID-19. The state’s new rules are similar to the CDC’s recently revised guidance but add a testing requirement to shorten isolation or quarantine.
People Who Test Positive (Isolation)
•Isolate for at least 5 days (previously, it was a 10-day minimum).
•Isolation can end if a test collected on or after day 5 is negative and the individual is not experiencing symptoms or symptoms are resolving. An over-the-counter antigen test can be used to end isolation.
•Wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
•Those who do not take a test must isolate for 10 days.
People Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
If unvaccinated or unboosted, but eligible for a booster:
•Stay home for at least 5 days after your last contact with an individual who is positive forCOVID-19. Test on day 5.
•Quarantine can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present and test taken on or after day 5 is negative. An over-the counter antigen test can be used to end quarantine.
•Wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
•Those who don’t take a test must quarantine for 10 days.
Individuals who have gotten a booster shot, or are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for a booster, do not have to quarantine following an exposure. However, they should get tested 5 days after being exposed to be safe.
These guidelines are for the general public and not health care workers who have their own isolation and quarantine guidance. Workers and K-12 students should also check with their employers and schools about requirements for returning to work or school since state guidance may differ for those settings.
For more information, see California’s guidance for isolation and quarantine or call the Humboldt County Joint Information Center at 1-707-441-5000.
Humboldt County Joint Information Center
covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us | 707-441-5000