The South Dakota Department of Health is adopting new CDC guidelines for people who have been exposed to COVID-19. The change means shorter quarantine options for people without symptoms.
Dr. Josh Clayton is the state epidemiologist. He explains the original 14 day quarantine period was based on the typical amount time it takes a person to become sick with COVID-19.
Dr. Clayton says a person who tests negative for COVID at least five days after exposure can now end their quarantine after one week.
“So starting on day eight of what had been their 14 day quarantine period, assuming they have no symptoms and they have a negative test, they can be released and return to work, return to school, and return to normal activities in the community.”
Asymptomatic people can end quarantine ten days after exposure without a test.
Dr. Clayton says it’s still important for everyone to monitor themselves for fever and other signs of the virus for the entire 14 days after an exposure. If symptoms arise, isolate and seek medical attention.
-Contact SDPB reporter Jackie Hendry by email.
