The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released updated COVID-19 guidance reducing the isolation period for those that test positive for COVID-19 from ten (10) days to five (5) days. The CDC also updated guidance on quarantine for close contact exposures based on vaccination status. As such, the University has amended our current guidance to align with the CDC’s recommendations.

Positive Cases – Return to Work Guidance
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days from the positive test result. The date the positive test is taken counts as day zero. If no symptoms have occurred (asymptomatic) by day five, or if their symptoms are resolving including being fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medicine, the individual may return to work with a mask on day six. Individuals should continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days.

If fever is not resolved or no improvement in symptoms on day 5, individuals should continue to self-isolate until symptoms are improving and fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medicine.

Close Contact Exposures Guidance
No Quarantine Required

Individuals are not required to quarantine if they meet the following conditions and have no symptoms:

• Completed the primary vaccine series for Pfizer or Moderna within the previous six months
• Completed the J&J vaccine within the past two months
• Individuals who have completed full series and have received a booster

Individuals who are up to date with vaccinations are not required to quarantine after close contact exposure unless they have symptoms. However, they should wear a mask indoors and while around others for 10 days. It is also recommended to take a COVID test on day five. 

Quarantine Required
Individuals must quarantine if they meet the following conditions:

• Vaccinated with both doses of Pfizer or Moderna more than six months ago and have not received booster shot
• Vaccinated with J&J over two months ago and not received booster shot
• Have never received a COVID-19 vaccine

If individuals are considered unvaccinated according to the criteria above, they are required to isolate for five days from exposure. They should continue to wear a mask for an additional five days. It is also recommended to take a COVID test on day five.

Symptomatic
If symptoms develop, get a test immediately and isolate at home. Follow the above guidance based on your vaccination status.

The CDC defines close contact exposure for those that have not tested positive in the past three months as:

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 cumulative minutes over a 24 hour period.
• You live with or provide care at home to someone sick with COVID-19.
• You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them).
• You shared eating or drinking utensils.
• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.

The safety of the campus community is our utmost priority. If you are sick, notify your immediate supervisor and do not report to campus. For guidance on leave and flexibility options, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Human Resources at HR-COVID19@fsu.edu.  

Questions? For questions related to positive cases or close contact exposure, contact the SAFER team at (850) 644-5555 or COVID19@fsu.edu. For questions about returning to work, email HR-COVID19@fsu.edu.