The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance defining close contact in the context of COVID-19 risk. Previously, close contact was described as spending at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of an infected person, thus putting an individual at higher risk of contracting the virus.
The new guidance defines close contact as being within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, starting from two days before the onset of the illness. For asymptomatic patients, the time period is two days prior to a test specimen collected.
Impact on employers
The new guidance means employers who are working to mitigate risk of the virus in the workplace will need to adjust contact tracing questioning with employees who test positive for COVID-19. The CDC’s guidance continues to stress the importance of wearing masks.
- Stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, such as older adults and people with other medical conditions, if possible.
- If you have been around someone with COVID-19, stay home and away from others for 14 days (self-quarantine) after your last contact with that person and monitor your health.
- If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others (except to get medical care or testing, if recommended).
- If you need support or assistance while in self-quarantine, your health department or community organizations may be able to provide assistance.
