New Guidelines for COVID-19: A Tip Sheet For Self-Advocates
Overview
This resource provides information on updated COVID-19 guidelines, including quarantine instructions and timelines.
Words to know and understand:
N95 or KN95 masks are high-quality masks that help lower the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Close contact is when you are not wearing a well-fitting mask, and you are less than 6 feet away from someone with COVID-19 for a total of more than 15 minutes at one sitting.
Quarantine means to stay away from others for at least 5 days while you wait to see if you have COVID-19.
Isolation means to stay away from others when you have COVID-19.
Symptoms are the way our bodies tell us we may have COVID-19. These may be any or all of these:
- A fever of 100.4 F or higher
- New loss of taste or smell
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Diarrhea
- Congestion
- Cough
- Runny nose
COVID-19 Quick Check Timeline for Contact
| Day of Close Contact | Day 1 Quarantine | Day 2 Quarantine | Day 3 Quarantine | Day 4 Quarantine | Day 5 Quarantine | Day 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start quarantine | Watch for symptoms | Watch for symptoms | Watch for symptoms | Watch for symptoms | Watch for symptoms | If no symptoms, quarantine is done |
COVID-19 Quick Check Timeline for Symptoms
| First Day of Symptoms | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start isolation; get tested | Isolate | Isolate | Isolate | Isolate; check temperature | Isolate; if no temperature today or yesterday, last day of isolation | If no temperature for 24 hours, done with isolation |
Questions to Help Explain Quarantine and Isolation
Who does not have to quarantine after close contact?
People who have had all of their vaccines and booster for COVID-19 OR have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days do not have to quarantine IF they also do not have symptoms. They should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days, and get a COVID-19 test after 5 days.
When should I quarantine after close contact?
As soon as you learn you have had close contact.
How do I quarantine?
Follow these steps:
- Stay home and away from other people, for at least 5 days after close contact. If you have to be around other people, wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth with no gaps. The N95 or KN95 are best.
- Watch for symptoms for 5 days after close contact.
- Get a COVID-19 test at least 5 days after close contact. This is recommended, not required if you don’t have symptoms.
When is quarantine done?
If your COVID-19 test is negative and you have no symptoms, you are done with quarantine. For 10 days after close contact, you should still watch for symptoms, wear a mask around others, and try not to go to places where you cannot keep your mask on, like the gym or a restaurant.
What if I have symptoms?
You should isolate and get a COVID-19 test. Contact your health professional, too. People who are fully vaccinated can get and spread COVID-19.
When do I go into isolation?
As soon as you have symptoms, or your test is positive.
How do I go into isolation?
Follow these steps:
- If you can, stay in a separate room from other people and use a separate bathroom.
- Open windows to let fresh air in.
- Try to stay away from other people and pets in your home.
- If you must be around other people, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Don’t share personal items like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Keep track of your symptoms.
- If you have trouble breathing get emergency medical care right away.
When is isolation done?
- After at least 5 days when you have no fever for 24
hours and your other symptoms have improved. - Wait 5 more days if you cannot wear a mask.
- Continue to wear a mask for 5 more days, and stay
away from people who are at risk. - Do not go to places for 5 more days where you cannot wear a mask.
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.