The CDC issued new guidance regarding quarantine times after a confirmed exposure or positive test for COVID. The guidance is based on research that shows an infected person is most contagious 1 to 2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and 2 to 3 days after. The guidance varies based on vaccination status.
Anyone, vaccinated or unvaccinated, who tests positive for COVID should isolate for 5 days after testing positive. This means that someone who tests positive should stay in a designated room in their home and avoid all contact with others in their household. Those who are asymptomatic or whose symptoms resolve after 5 days may leave isolation and their homes but should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for another 5 days.
In the instance of a known exposure to COVID, those who are boosted or were fully vaccinated within the last 6 months (2 months if they received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) do not need to isolate or quarantine but should wear masks around others for 10 days. People who have yet to receive their booster, were fully vaccinated over 6 months ago (2 months for J&J) or are unvaccinated should quarantine at home for 5 days and wear a fitted mask around others for another 5 days. Regardless of vaccination status, anyone with a known exposure to COVID should get tested on day 5, and anyone who develops symptoms should get a test and stay home until their symptoms resolve.