CDC vs. NJ DOH Quarantine Guidelines....hmmmm???

 Hey Cozy Families,

Those who are close contacts to a person who is considered infectious with  COVID-19 must quarantine for a certain amount of time in order to prevent spreading infection to others (see previous posts for definition of "close contact" and "infectious period").  There has been some confusion surrounding the CDC and the NJ DOH quarantine guidelines.  Therefore,  I posted the following below;  

1. Chart from NJDOH should provide quick guidance (at this time Jefferson Twp is HIGH RISK/ORANGE zone) 
2. Excerpt from communication from our Township Health Officer
3. Link to Quarantine Timeframe Guidance Pamphlet 

Recommended Minimum Quarantine Timeframes by 

COVID-19 Regional Transmission Risk Level (CALI Score)1 

Low Risk	Moderate Risk	High Risk	Very High Risk
14 days is always preferred as the best way to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
10 days without organized  testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	14 days for group   settings and organized  activities  14 days for individuals  unless it causes   significant economic or  other hardship  ONLY IF 14 days is not  feasible, follow  10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days	14 days for group   settings and activities  14 days for individuals  unless it causes   significant economic or  other hardship  ONLY IF 14 days is not  feasible, follow   10 days without testing OR  7 days with negative  test results collected at  5-7 days

"While the CDC has recently advised that under certain circumstances, a shorter quarantine  period may be contemplated, the incubation period for COVID-19 remains two to 14 days. Many cases of COVID do not manifest, either in the presentation of clinical symptoms or in a positive test result, for many days after an exposure. While someone may test negative for COVID-19 several days after a potential exposure, they could very well test positive a day, or several days, later.  Therefore, since we have significant community spread of disease in Jefferson Township at this time, the 14 day quarantine should be actively used and enforced in our schools."

                                                  -Peter Tabbot, Health Officer

                                                 Jefferson/Rockaway Township Division of Health

Link for QUARANTINE TIMEFRAME GUIDANCE pamphlet

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jluisi@jefftwp.org or (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535.