Memorandum

DATE: September 22, 2020

TO: Healthcare Providers, Businesses, Schools, Facilities, and All Residents

FROM: Sara H. Cody, MD Health Officer
George S. Han, MD, MPH Deputy Health Officer

SUBJECT: Updated Isolation Guidance for COVID-19​

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is updating its guidance for isolation of individuals with COVID-19 to be consistent with guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Isolation is used to separate people who are infectious with COVID-19 from people who are not infected.

This updated isolation guidance applies to all persons diagnosed with COVID-19, including the general public, students, essential workers, healthcare providers, and individuals living or working in congregate settings (e.g., jails, shelters, long-term care facilities, and dormitories).

COVID-19 Isolation Guidance

Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms may discontinue isolation when: 

• At least 10 days* have passed since symptoms first started; AND
• At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; AND
• Other symptoms have improved

Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms may discontinue isolation when:

• At least 10 days* have passed since the first positive test was collected

 *The date of symptom onset (or the date of test if asymptomatic) is considered Day 0. Note that individuals with severe illness (e.g., required intensive care) or who are severely immunocompromised may warrant extending isolation for up to 20 days after symptom onset. 

Board of Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Susan Ellenberg, S. Joseph Simitian County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith​​​​