Health officials are helping to clear up misconceptions about testing and quarantine procedures. Lincoln Trail District Health Department spokesperson Terrie Burgan says only those who test negative and are considered to be a close contact with a positive case are required to quarantine.
Burgan says a person who tests negative without being identified as a close contact does not have to quarantine for the 14 day period. However, it is recommended that a person does until they have received their test results.
An important aspect to consider is the definition of a close contact. Burgan says the definition from the CDC has changed, with a close contact now being described as coming into contact with a positive case for a cumulative total of 15 or more minutes, all within a 24 hour period. The state recently announced over 1 million tests have been performed since March.
