JeffCo Health Department Update: 1/12/2022

Jefferson County Public Health has updated the isolation and quarantine guidance based on recommendations from the CDC, which has continued to review and provide updated isolation and quarantine recommendations throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increasing evidence demonstrates the majority of transmission occurs during the early periods of infection. The updated guidance focuses on the period when a person is most infectious.

The following guidance applies to the general population in the community, including workplaces and K-12 schools; this guidance does not apply to children less than 2 years of age or other individuals who are unable to wear a mask. People who are unable to mask, who have moderate to severe illness, should isolate for the full 10-day period. This guidance does not apply to healthcare settings or correctional facilities that have separate guidance for isolation and quarantine.

It is recommended to isolate when you are sick or when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for five days, isolating yourself away from the public and your household members to prevent the spread of illness.

After five days, you may be eligible for release if you have been free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, other symptoms have improved, and you wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days. After your five days of isolation end, you should continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home and in public for an additional five days (day 6-10).

Please quarantine if you are exposed. Jefferson County Health Department recommends the following steps if you are in close contact to a COVID-19 case. If you have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and are up to date:

1. Received a booster, OR

2. Two weeks after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna (but not more than five months/Pfizer, six months/Moderna); OR

3. Two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (but not more than two months since the single dose). Then:

• Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days

• Test on day five, if possible

• If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.

If you are:

1. Unvaccinated; OR

2. You completed the primary series of Pfizer/Moderna OVER five months ago for Pfizer / sox months for Moderna and are not boosted; OR

3. You completed the primary series of J&J over two months ago and are not boosted. Then quarantine:

• Stay home for five days, wear a well-fitting mask around others in the home.

• On days 6-10 continue to wear masks around household members, at work, or out in the community.

• Test on day five, if possible.

• Stay home and get tested if you develop symptoms.

If you develop the symptoms, contact your primary care provider, local urgent care, or local emergency room for further guidance.

The Omicron variant has quickly become the predominant strain in Montana. It appears to be much more transmissible than previous stains. Please do all you can to protect yourself and your loved ones.