CDC launches "Quarantine and Isolation Calculator"

CDC calls the calculator a "tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19."

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a “Quarantine and Isolation Calculator.”

The CDC calls the calculator a "tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.

The calculator is located at the top of the CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation page. That page also has a chart detailing “when to stay at home” and calculating the length of one’s “isolation” for the following three scenarios:

• IF YOU were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations

• IF YOU were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations

• IF YOU were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test)

It does not appear anything has changed in the CDC’s isolation and quarantine procedures based on the isolation chart (below). The chart says those testing positive or having symptoms stay at home for 5 full days. For those with symptoms, ending isolation is still contingent on being fever-free for 24 hours. Even though masks, particularly cloth masks, have been highly debated over their efficacy in reducing COVID transmission, the CDC still says to wear one for 10 days following isolation.

After clicking the “get started” button, a dialog box appears where one can enter their criteria to produce a recommendation as seen below: