The fight against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has entered a new phase in some hard-hit parts of the country. Instead of attempting to contain the outbreak, people who have been exposed are being ordered into a 14-day quarantine. Mitigation measures ask that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu to immediately self-quarantine until the symptoms end or get bad enough to require medical intervention.
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of colds and flu, and since we are in the middle of cold and flu season, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know will find yourselves in a self-quarantine situation. This is a good time to understand what that means and create a plan for it.
What is a quarantine?
What to do if you need to self-quarantine
The Center for Disease Control advises those who display symptoms of COVID-19 to do the following:
Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Limit contact with pets and animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., if you have difficulty breathing).
Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your health care provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
Wear a face mask when sick: Put on a face mask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the health care provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
Alert health department: Ask your health care provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
Stay at home until instructed to leave: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
Talk to your health care provider: The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with health care providers and state and local health departments.
