If you are a CLOSE CONTACT to COVID-19
Page updated August 18, 2022
On August 11, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) streamlined its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand 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.
Our guidance on this page has been updated accordingly.
If you or a child are a close contact to COVID-19 (meaning you have been exposed to someone who is sick or tested positive), follow the guidance on this page to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Note: Due to changes in disease investigation and contact tracing protocols, you may not receive a call from the Public Health Department regarding a COVID-19 exposure. Follow the guidelines below and contact us if you have additional questions. You may email [email protected] or call 262-636-9201.
Are You a Close Contact?
- You are a close contact of COVID-19 if any of the following apply:
- You were within 6 feet of a person who had COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period.
- You had direct exposure to respiratory secretions (for example, being coughed or sneezed on, sharing a drinking glass, utensils, towels or other personal items).
- You had direct physical contact with the person (for example, a hug, kiss, or handshake).
- You cared or care for a person who has COVID-19.
- You lived or live with a person who has COVID-19.
- You stayed overnight with them for at least one night in the same household.
- You may be informed that you are a close contact as a result of contact tracing efforts that took place at a workplace, school, daycare, or other location or event.
What Do You Do if Exposed?
Quarantining following exposure to COVID-19 is no longer required except in specific, high-risk settings. Instead, everyone (regardless of vaccination status or previous COVID-19 diagnosis) should take the following steps:
- Wear a mask when in indoor public places for 10 full days from your exposure.
- Day 0 is the date of exposure.
- Day 1 is the first full day after exposure.
- Wear a mask through Day 10.
- Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days.
- Get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 days after the last exposure (on Day 6 or later).
- If the test is negative, continue to mask through Day 10.
- If the test is positive. follow Isolation guidance.
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