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. 

Where Should I Go To Get Tested for COVID-19?

Hello Again, Cozy Families!

For many of you, it is difficult to navigate the NJ Department of Health Webpage.  Trust me, it's not your fault!  The site has changed numerous times in past few weeks.  

The following information should help you find testing sites near you. 

• Visit the NJ Department of Health  COVID-19 Information Hub (link below)
• Scroll down to section entitled, "Services and Instructions"
• Click box labeled, "COVID 19 Testing Information"
• Scroll down and click box labeled, "Get Tested for COVID 19"
• Enter your zip code in box and click SUBMIT

You will be provided with a list of testing sites close to your home along with their addresses, websites and contact information.  You will also find a link with information related to At-Home COVID Kits that are now available.  

NJ Department of Health COVID Information Hub

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

How Long Should I Quarantine or Isolate?

Hey Cozy Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! I am excited that we are still open for in-person learning here at Cozy and am hopeful that we will remain so!

The following link provides a good non complex overview of when to isolate or quarantine.  I hope you find it useful.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at jluisi@jefftwp.org or 9973) 697-4777 ext. 5535.  

How Long Should I Quarantine or Isolate?

Am I a close contact?

 

Hello Cozy Lake, 

With the increase in cases in our community, many of you are wondering how to know if you or a family member is considered a "close contact". 

A "close contact" is:

• anyone within 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 
• for 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period 
• while that person was infectious.  

***Infectious period is considered 2 days before onset of symptoms (or if asymptomatic, test date) to 10 days after.

CONTACT OF A CONTACT

Good morning, Cozy Families, 

With the increase in COVID cases in NJ, many of you have questions related to being a "contact of a contact" and what that means....

The following is a chart I created based on the NJ DOH guidelines to help clarify.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535 or email me at jluisi@jefftwp.org.

PERSON A	PERSON B	PERSON C (i.e. spouse, children, coworkers, classmates…)
LABORATORY-CONFIRMED CASE COVID-19	HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH PERSON A*	HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH PERSON B**
ISOLATE FOR 10 DAYS	QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS FROM LAST DATE OF CONTACT WITH PERSON A	NOT AT RISK OF INFECTION. NO NEED TO QUARANTINE (UNLESS PERSON B HAS OR DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS OF COVID OR TESTS POSITIVE)

*Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of person for 15 or more minutes in a 24-hour period

**Person C is considered a “close contact of a close contact”

 

COVID RISK UPDATE & HELPFUL RESOURCES

Hello Cozy Lake Families, 

As many of you are aware, the majority of NJ is now considered "high risk" for COVID transmission.  While we are not surprised by this, it is certainly not good news.  In addition, many of us have college kids coming home for the Holidays and/or have plans to spend the Holidays with family. 

  

Please try to keep this virus in perspective.  What I mean by that is to reject fear, stay positive, and remember what you can control and what you can not.  We've been doing our best to physically distance, wear our masks, and practice good hand hygiene and its important to continue to do so. 

But, balance is the key to staying healthy and happy.  Be conscious of those elderly family members who have medical concerns, but at the same time, try to relax and enjoy quality time with your kids, family and your small circle of friends this Thanksgiving!  

The following are links that you may find helpful in the upcoming weeks,  They address a number of questions many of you have had.  

Please always feel free to reach out to me if you have concerns.  I am here for the kids and staff, but I am here for you as well!  

Be safe and have a great weekend, everyone! 

HOW LONG SHOULD I ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST POSITIVE

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST NEGATIVE

Awesome MUST SEE video! PLEASE WATCH and SHARE!

Hey Cozy Families, 

IT'S SNOWING!  Crazy weather, but par usual considering it's 2020!  I found this awesome video.  Fun to watch and really opens yours eyes to just how important effective and efficient handwashing is.  Lots of information on this 10 minute video.  Worth every minute.  Please watch with your family!  

Have a safe and Happy Halloween, Cozy Lake! 

Click link below for video!

How to See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus)