Understanding The Difference Between Quarantine And Isolation

More than 100 days since the first case of COVID 19 was confirmed, the use of the term quarantine and isolation has been used without regard to the difference.

In addition, as the asymptomatic patients are sent back home for home-based care, it is important to understand all instructions by medical staff they free the hospitals for those who really cannot be managed at home.

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.

People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it is safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

How are quarantine and isolation similar?

Both quarantine and isolation:

• involve separation of people to protect the public
• help limit further spread of COVID-19
• can be done voluntarily or be required by health authorities

Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and stay out of crowded places.

If you feel healthy but:

• Recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19

Stay Home and Monitor Your Health

(Quarantine)

• Stay home until 14 days after your last exposure.
• Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
• If possible, stay away from people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

You should also quarantine yourself if

Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or

Are waiting for test results, or

Have cough, fever, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

Isolate Yourself from Others

(Isolation)

• Stay home until it is safe to be around others.
• If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Read important information about caring for yourself for someone else whois sick, including when it is safe to end home isolation.

Courtesy of CDC

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