COVID-19 Cases Are on the Rise. Here’s What You Need To Know.
E.C. County averages 100 positive COVID-19 cases a day as new quarantine and vaccination recommendations released
With the new and more contagious Omicron variant, COVID-19 cases have shot up after the holiday season. For example, Eau Claire County is seeing more than 100 positive cases per day for the first time since November 2020, and the county’s positivity rate is a record 22.7%.
Due to this sharp increase, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department recently released new guidelines based upon revised guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Here’s what you need to know.
HOW LONG SHOULD I QUARANTINE IF I TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should quarantine for 5 days (with the first day that you exhibit symptoms being day zero).
I GOT A POSITIVE TEST RESULT. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Notify anyone that you have come into close contact with – including friends, family, and your employer.
I'VE QUARANTINED FOR FIVE DAYS. NOW WHAT?
On Day Five, you should get an antigen test. If your test results come back negative for COVID-19, you can return to life per usual on Day Six (masked). If you cannot mask, the health department recommends quarantining for a full 10 days.
I WAS EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO TESTED POSITIVE. WHAT DO I DO?
If you are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must quarantine – unless you're fully vaccinated and have had your booster shot. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals should quarantine for five days – the day of exposure being Day Zero, and get tested on the fifth day. You must wear a mask until the 10th day after exposure. Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine but must wear a mask in public for the 10 days after contact.
For more information on testing, vaccines, and quarantining, you can visit covid19eauclaire.org