Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19 have declined greatly, but it is unknown if the BA.2 subvariant or other emerging variants might escape the immune system's response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced a change to Community Levels from the previous Community Transmission to streamline public knowledge about which and when individuals should consider masking.
But the guidance for isolation and quarantine did not change. To simplify guidance, the CDC has developed a new COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator.
CDC created the calculator for healthcare providers, businesses, and organizations that are managing COVID-19 cases and close contact exposures to take the stress out of figuring out when, and for how long, people with COVID-19 and close contacts need to stay home, get tested and wear a well-fitting mask.
The Q&I Calculator provides essential information about precautions people with COVID-19 and their close contacts can take to protect loved ones and slow the spread of the virus. The online, mobile-friendly calculator can help people follow CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance and get customized information to address their unique situation.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor, facility group.
