Last week the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) updated its isolation requirements to align with the changes recently announced by the CDC.
The new requirements are as follows:
If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19 and has symptoms they need to:
- Stay at home and away from others for five days regardless of vaccination status.
- If they have no symptoms, or their symptoms are resolved after five days, they can leave their home.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days.
- If they have a fever, continue to stay home until it goes away.
If an individual is up to date on vaccinations and was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and does not have symptoms they need to:
- Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.
- Test on day five, if possible.
- If they develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home.
Note: Up to date on vaccinations means they have received a booster or received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna within the past six months or received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson within the past two months.
If an individual is not up to date on vaccinations and was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and does not have symptoms they need to:
- Stay home for five days.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days.
- If they are not able to stay at home, they must wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days.
- Test on the fifth day after exposure.
- If they develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home.
Note: Not up to date on vaccinations means it’s been more than six months since they completed their initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series or more than two months since they received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson or they are not vaccinated.
Additional definitions for reference include:
- Exposure – Being in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period) with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
- Symptoms – COVID-19 symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Employers should update their COVID-19 illness and isolation policies to reflect these changes and be sure to communicate the changes with staff. Keep in mind, employers may also impose stricter isolation requirements.
Members of Cascade can find updated policies by clicking here.
Cascade is actively monitoring this issue and will provide more information as we learn more. Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for more information and resources to prepare for compliance.