Quarantine Information
What is self-quarantine?
People who have been exposed to coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 should practice self-quarantine. Doctors recommend that self-quarantine last up to 14 days. On Dec. 2, 2020, the CDC updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance, providing options to shorten quarantine to 10 or seven days in certain circumstances.
You could be asked to practice self-quarantine if you have recently returned from
a location where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, or if you have knowingly been exposed
to an infected person.
Self-quarantine involves:
- Staying at home
- Not having visitors
- Staying at least six feet away from other people in your household
- Once your quarantine period has ended, if you do not have symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to return to your normal routine.
What is isolation?
For people who are confirmed to have COVID-19, you should go into isolation. Isolation means keeping people who are infected with a contagious illness away from those who are not infected. Isolation can take place at home or at a hospital or care facility.
View the Quarantine vs Isolation PDF
Children and COVID-19
Don't be afraid to talk to your children about coronavirus. By having an open and honest conversation, you can help alleviate their concerns and answer their questions. In this video, OSU-CHS psychiatrist Dr. Sara Coffey shares advice on how to effectively and lovingly manage this conversation.
- Remain calm and reassuring
- Pay attention to what children see or hear on television or online.
- Provide information that is honest and accurate.
- Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs.