Some quarantine periods reduced

Oakland County will follow new shorter quarantine time guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

People who have close contact – defined as 15 minutes spent within six feet — with an infected person may have their quarantine period reduced to 10 days.

While the 14-day quarantine period remains the standard, it can be shortened if the individual does not develop any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19 during daily symptom monitoring for the 10 days after the last exposure; and daily symptom monitoring and mask wearing continues through Day 14 after the last exposure.

Oakland County Health Division will follow MDHHS guidance and adopt the 10-day quarantine option, given the requirements noted above are met, with the additional requirement that 14-day quarantine should continue as the standard in congregate settings.

“The updated guidance is based on guidance from the CDC,” said Dr. Russell Faust, medical director for Oakland County. “With continued adherence to isolation and quarantine recommendations, as well as masking up, using social distancing, and avoiding social gatherings, we can bring our Oakland County case numbers down.”

The 14-day recommendation was based on earlier data that estimated the COVID-19 incubation period. At the national level, estimates of the COVID-19 incubation period were refined based on a review of case data for hundreds of thousands of cases. Data from that assessment indicate that 99 percent of all infections will present within 10 days of exposure.

Reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to quarantine by reducing economic hardship if they cannot work during this time. A shorter quarantine period can also lessen stress on the public health system, especially when new infections are rapidly rising.

The best way to prevent infection until a vaccine is available is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home when sick except to get medical care. COVID-19 testing is available through OCHD in the communities of Holly, Rochester, Southfield and Pontiac. Appointments can be made by calling 800-848-5533.