Minnesota updates recommendations for isolation and quarantine periods for the general population

On Tuesday, December 28, Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm announced that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was updating its guidance on isolation and quarantine for the general public.

Malcolm said shortened periods could be applied for how long people should stay home if they test positive (isolation) or are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (quarantine).

CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to five days, if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID- 19. For more details, see CDC’s media statement: CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population.

In the press release Malcolm said, “We will review the guidance and update our Minnesota guidance and materials to align with these new recommendations as soon as the guidance becomes available from CDC.”

As has happened throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic, officials have been following the science and updating public health recommendations to best reflect the current state of the pandemic. Taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remains important so we can reduce severe illnesses and deaths and protect our health care system. We continue to recommend that people get vaccinated, get a booster when eligible, wear masks in indoor public places, get tested when recommended, wash hands frequently, and stay home when sick.