Several months into the COVID-19 crisis, most people in the New York metropolitan area are intimately familiar with the first line of defense against the virus—social distancing, face coverings, and impeccable hand hygiene.
But, as reopening expands and more New Yorkers feel comfortable travelling, the risk of encountering someone who may have the virus increases. To combat a rise in cases due to this surge in movement, local leaders have implemented quarantine guidelines.
In this Q & A, Krystina Woods, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Mount Sinai West, answers questions about quarantine and explains why it is an essential tactic in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Who needs to quarantine? Why does it last 14 days?
Quarantine is recommended for someone who has had close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as anyone who returns from international travel. Quarantine is required by law if someone has returned to New York State from one of the states listed on the quarantine list, as ordered by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. This list also applies to residents of and visitors to New Jersey and Connecticut, where governors have put the same order in place. The list of states changes rapidly, so make sure you keep up to date.
While we are still learning more about COVID-19, we know that patients typically develop symptoms between 2 and 14 days after being exposed to the virus. Quarantine guidelines are in line with this 14-day exposure window.
I just returned from a COVID-19 hot spot and need to quarantine. Does that mean I cannot leave my apartment for the entire two weeks?
If you are on quarantine you should not leave your apartment. In fact, it is against the law to do so if you are returning from a “hot spot” state.
Thankfully, we can get just about anything delivered. So, those who are under quarantine should plan on having groceries and other necessary items delivered. Also, you should not socialize with anyone outside of your household. Do not invite people over until your quarantine is complete.
If someone in your household did not travel to the COVID-19 hotspot and does not require quarantine, you should quarantine yourself from those household members.
What should I do if I begin exhibiting COVID-like symptoms during quarantine?
If you begin to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 while quarantining, step back and consider how you are feeling. If you are well enough to treat yourself at home with rest, fluids, and medication for fever, then you should do so.
If you are not well enough to stay home, if your symptoms suddenly worsen, or if you are experiencing trouble breathing, difficulty maintaining consciousness, confusion, chest pain/pressure, or have blue lips, you should seek medical help immediately. If you need an ambulance to bring you to the emergency room, let the dispatcher know that you are having COVID-like symptoms. This will allow emergency medical personnel to take the proper precautions when taking care of you.
If I remain asymptomatic throughout the 14-day quarantine, should I still get tested for COVID-19?
No. If you have completed your 14-day quarantine and have not experienced symptoms throughout, you do not need to get tested for the virus.
Do you have any more advice for those who will need to self-quarantine?
If you are sharing your home with someone who does not need to quarantine, make sure you have ample cleaning supplies—particularly if you don’t have a separate bathroom—so you can clean high-touch surfaces like faucets, the toilet flusher, door knobs, and shower door handles. If possible, sleep in a separate bedroom–with the window open to allow for fresh air to circulate–and remain in that bedroom/separate space for as much of the day as possible. If you need to leave your separate room, make sure to wear a face covering and try not to touch anything more than is necessary.
Also, make sure you have a COVID-19 emergency care kit, stocked with a working thermometer and non-expired fever-reducing medications. And keep your doctor’s phone number handy, just in case you develop symptoms that require medical attention.
Remember, the purpose of the quarantine is to prevent spreading COVID-19 throughout our community. Currently, the New York metropolitan area has a very low COVID rate, and we want to keep it that way. Although you may feel well, those without symptoms have the potential to spread the virus. So it is important to take all precautions.