TULSA, OK – [December 2, 2020] – Based on new evidence about COVID-19, today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their quarantine recommendations to local public health authorities with options to shorten quarantine in certain circumstances. The Oklahoma State Department of Health adopted the recommendations statewide, and the Tulsa Health Department will follow the recommendations for Tulsa County residents.
According to Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Jared Taylor, a person who has been determined to have had an effective contact with a COVID-19 infected person should stay home for 14 days from date of last contact with the COVID patient, if possible. However, if the contact remains free of symptoms up to day 10, their quarantine can end at that point. If the contact receives a negative test result from a sampling on day 5 after exposure or later, they can end quarantine on day 7.
After stopping quarantine, people should:
Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
If they have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider.
Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus.
“The virus that causes COVID-19 is circulating at alarming levels within our community. I encourage Tulsa County residents to diligently monitor themselves for symptoms, wear a mask when around others, watch their distance, and wash their hands,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “According to the CDC, reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to quarantine by reducing economic hardship if they cannot work during this time. I encourage anyone with questions about how long their quarantine should last to contact the Tulsa Health Department to speak with a public health professional who can make the appropriate recommendation to their unique situation.”
The Tulsa Health Department continues to offer specimen collection for COVID-19 testing by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online. Call 918-582-9355 to speak to a public health professional. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org/COVID19.
Tulsa Health Department
Since its establishment in 1950, the Tulsa Health Department serves as the primary public health agency to more than 600,000 Tulsa County residents, including 13 municipalities and four unincorporated areas. The agency is one of two autonomous local health departments in Oklahoma, with statutory public health jurisdiction throughout Tulsa County and the City of Tulsa. THD’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all Tulsa County residents, in order to make Tulsa County the healthiest county in the country. THD was among the first health departments in the U.S. to receive national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
