If you know someone who has come down with COVID-19 lately, you're not alone: the number of cases in Indiana and the U.S. at large is indeed rising.
Although the rates are still below historic highs, the likelihood of hospitalization and/or severe COVID infection rates remains 40-60% above historically severe flu seasons.
As a result, MSE highly advises individuals with risk factors for severe disease (pulmonary/heart disease, diabetes, immunosuppression, etc.) to take all precautions to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Protect IU provides good information on COVID—including symptoms to watch for and steps we can take to prevent infection risks—as well as details on vaccine options.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers approaches to keep others safe if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID infection. The CDC's new generalized public recommendation is 5 days of quarantine and isolation from the start of symptoms or a positive test. If you are afebrile or improving for 24 hours, it recommends wearing a mask for an additional 5 days when around others.
For quarantine and isolation after a high-risk exposure, symptoms, or a positive COVID infection, students should follow the more stringent guidance for healthcare professionals (which most health facilities follow):
- At least 7 days* have passed since symptoms first appeared if a negative viral test is obtained within 48 hours before returning to work (or 10 days if testing is not performed or if a positive test at day 5-7); and
- At least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
- Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved.
- Upon return to school/work, individuals should continue to wear a mask when around others and practice safe distancing when possible for another 5 days.
* Many facilities, including IU Health, use a 5-day quarantine period instead of 7 to expedite return to work for those with mild or no symptoms.
