Isolation Guidance for You (The Case)
How Does COVID-19 Spread: COVID-19 is spread from one person to another through body fluids like saliva that come out of your mouth and nose when breathing, talking, singing, coughing or sneezing. It is very easy to spread, which makes it very important that you stay away from other people while you get better.
This is why you must stay in isolation. Isolation means that you do not leave you house, unless you need medical care. If you live with other people, you should stay away from them as much as possible. Have food dropped of at your door if possible. If you need to go into parts of your home that are shared spaces, wear a mask at all times. If you use a common space such as a bathroom or kitchen, you should wipe down all surfaces with a cleaning product after you use it. You must stay in isolation even if you feel better.
Do not end your isolation until you are told it is safe to do so.
When to End Isolation: Consistent with CDC and WI DHS guidance (updated 12/27/2021), when you can end isolation depends on if you are able and willing to wear a mask.
If you are able and willing to wear a mask in public, you may end isolation when:
- It has been at least 5 days since your symptoms began (or your test was conducted if you have not had symptoms), AND
- You have had no fever for 24 hours without using medication that would reduce the fever, such as tylenol or advil, AND
- Any other symptoms have been improved for 24 hours without using medication that would improve them.
- If you opt for this option, you must wear a well-fitting mask that covers both your nose and mouth whenever you around others from day 6 to day 10.
If you are not able or willing to wear a mask in public, you may end isolation when:
- It has been at least 10 days since your symptoms began (or your test was conducted if you have not had symptoms), AND
- You have had no fever for 24 hours without using medication that would reduce the fever, such as tylenol or advil, AND
- Any other symptoms have been improved for 24 hours without using medication that would improve them.
Please use the following link to help calculate your last day of isolation: https://doh.sd.gov/covid/calculator/
When to Get Medical Help: If you experience a worsening of symptoms and/or find it difficult to breathe, you should seek medical care. It is important that you call ahead to indicate that you are positive for COVID-19; they will have you go to a special entrance. If you need to call 911, be sure to indicate that you need medical care but that you are positive for COVID-19 and are in isolation at your home. They will send a special ambulance that will safely transport you to the hospital.
The Buffalo County Health Department wishes you a speedy recovery. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.
Quarantine Guidance for Close Contacts & Household Members
What Your Household Members/Close Contacts Should Do: Someone is considered "contagious" starting 2 days before their symptoms started or 2 days before their test was done if they hadn't yet developed symptoms. Anyone who has had direct contact with you for any length of time (a hug, kiss, high five, etc.), or who was within 6 feet of you for 15 minutes or more, while you were contagious is considered "exposed."
Whether or not someone must quarantine, and the the length of a person's quarantine, depends on their vaccination status and whether or not they have symptoms.
A fully vaccinated person who has had a booster shot, or who does not yet need a booster shot (was vaccinated < 6 months ago with Moderna, < 5 months ago with Pfizer, or < 2 months ago with J&J):
- Does not have to quarantine
- Should monitor themself for symptoms for 10 days following their most recent exposure
- Should get tested on day 5
- Should isolate and get tested if they develop symptoms
A person who is NOT fully vaccinated, or is eligible for a booster shot but has NOT had one (was fully vaccinated > 6 months ago with Moderna, > 5 months ago with Pfizer, or > 2 months ago with J&J, and hasn't had a booster):
- Should quarantine for 5 days following the last exposure
- Should wear a well-fitting mask over the nose and mouth for days 6 - 10 following exposure
- Should get tested on day 5, even if they don't have symptoms
- Should also get tested at any time if symptoms develop, and should isolate at home away from others
Please use the following link to help your close contacts calculate their last day of quarantine: https://doh.sd.gov/covid/calculator/
Thank you for notifying your close contacts of their exposure. If they have any questions or concerns, please direct them to call the Buffalo County Health and Human Service's main line at 608-685-4412 or email covid19@co.buffalo.wi.us.