Special Edition: COVID-19 (2-4-22)

Quarantine vs. Isolation

You quarantine when you might have been exposed to the virus. You isolate when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Quarantine:

Quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19 during their contagious period, unless you are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations. People who are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms or are unable to wear a well-fitted mask. However, regardless of vaccination status, you should get tested 5-7 days after the last date of exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms.

What to do:

  • Stay home after contact with a person who has COVID-19 or as soon as you receive notification of your exposure as directed by your PCP or local County Health Department, return to work is contingent on fitting the criteria detailed by the county and your employer.
  • Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider for assessment and/or seek COVID-19 testing.
  • If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

After quarantine:

  • You are released from quarantine based on your county of residence and their current quarantine guidance/orders. If you are released before day 11, watch for symptoms until 10 days after exposure and continue to wear a well-fitting mask while around others. Return to work is contingent on fitting the criteria of the Seneca Nation’s Protocol and Guidelines for Seneca Nation Employees.
  • If you develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider for assessment and/or seek COVID-19 testing.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area, and use a separate bathroom (if available).

What to do:

  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
  • Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
  • Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
  • Wear a mask when around other people in the household.
  • Stay home as directed by your PCP or local County Health Department. Return to work is contingent on fitting the criteria of the Seneca Nation’s Protocol and Guidelines for Seneca Nation Employees.

View Seneca Nation COVID-19 Protocol and Guidelines FLOWCHARTS below: