If you are a CLOSE CONTACT to COVID-19
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 recent changes in disease investigation and contact tracing protocols from the State of Wisconsin, 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.
Do You Need to Quarantine?
You must quarantine if:
- You are NOT up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. This means you are unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or are eligible for a booster dose but have not yet received it.
- You tested positive for COVID-19 more than 90 days ago with a viral test (Antigen or PCR test conducted by a healthcare provider or testing site ONLY; at-home tests do not qualify).
You do not need to quarantine if:
- You are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. This means you are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days have passed since the final dose of your initial/primary series) and you have received a booster dose, if eligible for it.
- You tested positive for COVID-19 fewer than 90 days ago with a viral test (Antigen or PCR test conducted by a healthcare provider or testing site ONLY; at-home tests do not qualify).
What to Do After Close Contact:
- Everyone who is exposed to COVID-19, regardless of whether they must quarantine, should:
- Watch for symptoms to develop for 10 days after the last exposure.
- Wear a mask when around others, especially in public, for 10 days after the last exposure.
- Those who must quarantine should:
- Stay at home for at least 5 full days after the last exposure. Day 0 is the date of the exposure, and Day 1 is the first full day after the exposure.
- Not go to work, school, daycare, or attend other activities or events such as medical appointments.
- Get tested at least 5 days after the last exposure.
- Wear a mask in public for 5 additional days after leaving quarantine
- If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself away from others in your home and get tested.
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