COVID-19 drive-thru testing center at University Health Services

Quarantine vs. Isolation: What's the Difference?

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must follow CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine. Here’s what YOU need to know if you or someone you know tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19.

Defining the terms:

Isolation separates sick people from people who aren’t sick.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to see if they become sick.

Basically…

Isolation = when you are sick.

Quarantine = when you might be.

What counts as exposure?

According to the CDC, exposure is defined as being within 6 feet of a COVID-19 positive person for more than 15 minutes. 💁‍♂️...🙎‍♀️

I have been exposed and told to quarantine. What does that mean exactly?

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
You should make an appointment with University Health Services for a FREE COVID-19 test.
Stay quarantined, attend your classes online and keep your classmates and professors safe for 14 days. 😎
Monitor your symptoms and be prepared to self-quarantine for 14 days. If you don’t have symptoms after 14 days, you may participate in regular activities following all CDC guidelines.
If you test positive for COVID-19, then you will move to the next steps below.

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I tested positive for COVID-19, what now? 😧

You MUST isolate! According to the CDC, isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
Don’t leave isolation until 10 days after symptoms begin and 24 hours after you are free of fever and symptoms of respiratory infection, without the use of fever-reducing medications.
There is isolation protocol on campus for students to have a safe and comfortable place to recover.
Let friends you were around know they were exposed so they can move into quarantine.
OSU is here to support you. There are virtual counseling services available, meal services, virtual academic resources and more helpful resources listed here.

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