What you need to know if you’re asked to self-quarantine

As the number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus patients in the Bay Area continues to climb, one of the most common responses from state and county public health officials is to suggest people who may have been exposed to the disease self-quarantine.

But what exactly does self-quarantining mean in practice? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts have offered the following guidance for individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who don’t need to be hospitalized. Be sure to consult a medical expert if you think you are infected with or have been exposed to coronavirus.

Do I really have to stay home the whole time?

Yes. Unless you need to go to a doctor, you should stay home. If there are other people in your home, you should attempt to stay in one room as much as possible and use a separate bathroom.

“Do not go to work, school, or public areas,” the CDC recommends. “Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.”

And while you’re at home, avoid touching things other people touch a lot, like the phone, counters, kitchen appliances, etc. If you touch them, you should wash them immediately after. “You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home,” according to the CDC. “After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.”

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What about going to the doctor?

The CDC recommends calling ahead if you need to visit a healthcare provider so they can get ready for your visit and limit risk to other patients and staff.

What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Seemingly healthy people are placed in quarantine to see if they become sick. Already sick people are placed in isolation so they don’t transmit disease, according to the CDC.

Can I be placed under a mandatory quarantine?

The federal government — via the CDC — can impose mandatory quarantines, as can state, local and tribal governments within their own borders. According to the Washinton Post, breaking a self-quarantine might look bad, but it’s not a crime. Breaking a mandatory quarantine, however, is a crime. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “breaking a federal quarantine order is punishable by fines and imprisonment. Federal law allows the conditional release of persons from quarantine if they comply with medical monitoring and surveillance.”

Can I still go to mass? No, if you think you’ve been exposed to coronavirus, stay home. The Oakland Diocese is asking followers to “please be aware that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply to those who are ill, especially those who suffer from contagious disease.”

Will a facemask help? Yes. If you have a facemask, the CDC recommends wearing it whenever someone enters your room, as well as when you leave to seek medical attention. You should still cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and “throw used tissues in a lined trash can,” the CDC recommends. “Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.” The CDC does not recommend facemasks for those who are not ill.

What about my pets? The CDC suggests limiting contact with your pets and instead,asking someone else in your home to take care of them. The health agency also recommends not “petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food” with your pet.

If you need to come into contact with your pets, the CDC suggests wearing a facemask and washing your hands before and after you touch them.

And while you’re at home, avoid touching things other people touch a lot, like the phone, counters, kitchen appliances, etc.