Dutchess County Health Department Revises Quarantine Timing

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Following a guidance change for new coronavirus quarantine requirements from the New York State Department of Health, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health has changed the quarantine time period for individuals exposed to the virus from 14 days to 10 days following the last exposure if no symptoms are reported during the quarantine.

This change is effective immediately, county health officials said.

Quarantine for individuals exposed to new coronavirus ends after 10 days, without a test required, if there are no symptoms reported during the quarantine period.

Additionally, exposed individuals must:

• Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14
• Continue to strict adherence to prevention measures: use of face coverings, hand washing and physical distancing.
• If any symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate and should seek testing. A list of testing sites in Dutchess County is available at here.

Someone who is "exposed” or has been in “close contact” is a person who has been within 6 feet of another person, who tested positive for coronavirus, for 10 minutes or more total in a 24-hour period while the person was contagious.

Contagious is defined as two days before symptoms began — or two days before a positive test if there are no symptoms.

Dr. Anil Vaidian, the county health commissioner said this is an important change that aligns state guidance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance which will help end confusion on quarantine timelines.

“Though the quarantine period is now shorter, individuals exposed to COVID-19 should remain vigilant," he said. "Anyone who develops symptoms while under quarantine OR through day 14 from the last date of exposure, should assume they are infectious and immediately isolate themselves and seek a diagnostic test.”

The New York State DOH’s updated guidance can be found here.

Health officials said quarantine documents and other information on the Dutchess County government website will be updated this week. New York State and local contact tracers are also being advised of the guidance change.

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