Definition of Close Contact
The CDC defines a (non-clinical) close contact* as someone who has been within 6 feet of someone with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test for more than 10 consecutive minutes (or 15 cumulative minutes over 24 hours) within 48 hours of their symptom onset or positive test.
*For definition of health care associated high risk exposure, click here.
Close Contact Notification
If you have been in close contact with anyone within 48 hours of your symptom onset or positive test (whichever came first), notify them immediately, so they can take appropriate action.
Guidance for Close Contacts
If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, follow CDC Guidance.
If asymptomatic and up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination:
- You do not need to quarantine.
- You can attend class, lab, and participate in clinical work.
- Mask up in indoor public spaces for 10 days.
- Get a COVID-19 PCR test at day 5 after last exposure
- You can schedule a test at Employee Health Services (asymptomatic only).
- Continue to mask through day 10 even if your test returns negative.
- Monitor symptoms for 10 days after exposure
- If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and get tested (see testing above)
If symptomatic:
- Immediately self-isolate and get tested (see testing options)
If recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days (confirmed via testing):
- You do not need to quarantine or get tested.
- Wear a mask in indoor public spaces for 10 days after exposure.
- If you develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and get tested.