COVID-19

Guidance for Isolation and Exposures (Previously referred to as Quarantine). Have you received a positive COVID test result, or been exposed to a positive person? You need to know what you do with a positive result to keep your self, family and the community safe and healthy. 

Rapid Antigen Tests test results do not need to be reported, but you can  always call or email us with any questions or concerns. 

COVID TESTING: Go to link here for information on what COVID test to use.

ISOLATE: POSTIVE TEST 

If you test positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid antigen test or PCR test, you are required to isolate – whether you are vaccinated or not. See instructions below on isolation for details on length of isolation. 

1. Calculate your period of isolation: Day 0 is your first day of symptoms, or, a positive Antigen or PCR test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms or test, then count forward. All people who have a positive test must isolate for the first five days. There are some circumstances that allow for a different schedule after day six, follow the link COVID-1 Isolation Guidance to determine isolation length. 

2. Notify your close contacts. The people near you who are 'close contacts' of you while sick or contagious should be notified of your illness, they need to review quarantine options. A close contact is someone who comes within 6 feet of a sick person for 15 minutes, inside, regardless of wearing a mask. 

3. Get treatment. Call your provider right away to find out if an anti-viral pill, such as Paxlovid, is appropriate for you. Or, go to the quick and free State's Telehealth Site to speak with a provider about the pill.

Never hesitate to notify your provider if you need medical care or have any questions. Most people have mild illness and recover without medical care, so rest and stay hydrated and take over-the-counter medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin (if it's ok for you to take) to help you feel better. 

4. Rapid Antigen Tests. You do not need to take a rapid antigen test during your isolation to exit. If you do test: if you have two negative tests prior to day 10 you may remove your mask. If you take a test on Day 6 and are still positive, you can still leave isolation as long as you can wear a mask.  

Follow isolation guidance here: COVID-19 Isolation Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov

Isolation important tips in español, english, and simplified chinese. 

EXPOSURE Plan: exposed or Close contact 

Follow this new guidance for exposure, previously referred to as quarantine. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID, you do not need to quarantine as long as you remain asymptomatic, regardless of your vaccination status. You must wear a mask any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public for the 10 days following your exposure, unless you are unable to mask*.

If you were exposed and develop symptoms at any time, isolate and take a test and stay home until you know the result. If the result is positive, follow isolation protocols. If your test is negative or if you have remained asymptomatic, take a test on day 6.

  • If you have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you can test with either a rapid antigen or PCR test.
  • People who had COVID-19 in the last 90 days should test with a rapid antigen test, not a PCR test.
  • People who had COVID-19 in the last 30 days are not recommended to test on day 6 but should use a rapid antigen test if they develop any symptoms.

If you test positive, follow isolation guidance. For more information, please see CDC COVID-19 Exposure Guidance.

* You are unable to consistently wear a mask due to young age or medical or behavioral condition.

Follow link for Exposure guidance here: COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance for the General Public | Mass.gov

Exposure important tips in español, english, portugués, Cape Verdean, and simplified chinese.

Other Setting Guidelines

Congregate Settings: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health states to follow General Population Guidelines, see DPH statement here. Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Other Setting Guidelines Version OptionsYour COVID PlanHeadline

Health Care Personnel:  Review definitions, Isolation and Quarantine guidance here Version OptionsYour COVID PlanHeadline Version OptionsYour COVID PlanHeadline. 

Links to Guidance: 

Original guidance can be found at the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public DPH.

Contact your provider if any health concerns or questions.  If you need health insurance or a provider, please call the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077.

SURVEILLANCE

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