The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new, streamlined guidance last week to help people better understand their risk for getting COVID-19, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or test positive for the virus.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in Idaho and around the globe, but with so many tools available to reduce COVID-19 severity, there is much less risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

The best, most consistent protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death continues to be obtained with use of vaccination and boosters. As children head back into the classroom, please make sure they are up to date on all their recommended vaccinations, including those for COVID-19.

If you are exposed to COVID-19 the guidance now is:

• You should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after the day you were exposed and get tested five days after the day you were exposed.

If you have COVID-19, the guidance now is:

• Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others.
  • You should also isolate if you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, but do not yet have test results.
    • If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
• Stay home for at least five days after your positive test and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first five days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public for 10 days after your positive test.
  • If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation. Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after your positive test result.
  • Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 for 10 days after your positive test.
• If you had moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing) or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19 or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate for the full 10 days after your positive test result.
  • In addition to isolating for 10 days after a positive test, if you had severe illness or have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor before ending isolation. If you are unsure if your symptoms are moderate or severe or if you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.
• If your COVID-19 symptoms worsen after you have ended isolation, restart your isolation the day your symptoms become worse. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.
• Physical distance is just one component of how to protect yourself and others. It is important to consider the risk in a specific setting, including local COVID-19 Community Levels and the important role of ventilation.

Elke Shaw-Tulloch is the administrator of the Division of Public Health, and the state’s public health officer. She has worked for the department since 1996 and was promoted to division administrator in 2012. Since February 2020, she has focused most of her time on responding to the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 resources:

• Idaho’s Coronavirus website
• CDC COVID-19 website
• Masks are available for Idahoans: KN95 masks (one pack of 10 per household) are available for free at various locations around the state. Call the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or your local public health district to find a location near you. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available from the federal government at covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders will usually ship in seven-12 days.
• Find COVID-19 and flu vaccines/boosters near you: Use vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.