December 30, 2020 Updated NYS Release from Quarantine Requirements
KEEPING YOU INFORMED…
In a December 26, 2020 Health Advisory, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) provided updated guidance on releasing individuals from quarantine as a result of exposure to COVID-19. NYS requirements for release from quarantine now align with those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides for release from quarantine after 10 days. These release requirements apply to the general population, health care personnel and travelers. Travelers who are essential workers or who completed the test-out requirements for a shorter quarantine as permitted by Executive Order 202.5 are not required to complete the 10-day quarantine. Health care personnel working at nursing homes or adult care facilities certified as Enhanced Assisted Living Residences or Assisted Living Programs may be released from quarantine after 10 days, but must remain furloughed from work for 14 days.
Individuals exposed to COVID-19 can now end their quarantine after 10 days, without a testing requirement, if they have not had any reported symptoms during the quarantine period. After the 10th day, individuals must continue daily monitoring through day 14 for symptoms and strictly adhere to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings. If any symptoms develop, individuals must immediately self-isolate and contact their local health department or health care provider to report this change and determine if they should seek testing.
This quarantine guidance does not apply to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms[1] and, therefore, must isolate, though the required isolation period in accordance with NYS DOH guidance is also, in most circumstances, for 10 days.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact Sharon Berlin, Alyssa Zuckerman or one of our other attorneys by calling (631) 694-2300.
THIS MEMORANDUM IS MEANT TO ASSIST IN GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CURRENT LAW. IT IS NOT TO BE REGARDED AS LEGAL ADVICE. THOSE WITH PARTICULAR QUESTIONS SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL.
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[1] Although not specifically addressed in the December 26th Health Advisory, the current NYS “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure” also requires employees who have had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (as defined by the Guidance) and who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to isolate (not quarantine) for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms.