IDPH Supplements Quarantine Guidance to Account for Vaccinations

IDPH recently issued interim quarantine guidance for vaccinated school employees. Notably, the interim guidance does not replace the IDPH’s existing exclusion chart, which is summarized in our January 7, 2021 Law Alert. Rather, it accounts for employees—not students—who have received the COVID-19 vaccination. 

In summary, the supplemental guidance states:

• Symptomatic employees need not be excluded from school if:
  • They received a COVID-19 vaccination within the past three (3) days;
  • Their symptoms may be vaccine-related;
  • They have not had a fever within the past twenty-four (24) hours;
  • Their symptoms occur within the first forty-eight (48) hours following the vaccination;  and
  • They feel well enough to work.

• If an individual’s symptoms do not improve and persist for more than two (2) days, they should be referred for clinical evaluation and undergo a COVID-19 test, if advised by their health care provider.  However, individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last ninety (90) days need not undergo a test.

• Regardless of vaccination status, close contacts of a COVID-19 case should be excluded from school, unless they tested positive for COVID-19 within the last ninety (90) days.

All other guidance from the IDPH’s existing exclusion chart remains in effect.

We note that the IDPH’s quarantine guidance for vaccinated employees differs in some respects from the CDC’s guidance, which is that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. We understand that the IDPH may revisit its position in the coming weeks and update its interim guidance, so please stay tuned.  In the meantime, we recommend that you remain in contact with your local health department and follow their quarantine/isolation guidance.

For further assistance regarding applicable quarantine protocols, please contact any Robbins Schwartz attorney.

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