LEWIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY

7785 North State Street, Suite 2

Lowville, New York 13367-1229
Telephone: (315) 376-5453
Fax: (315) 376-7013
www.lewiscountypublichealth.com
Ashley R. Waite, RN, BSN, MPH
Director

Lewis County Public Health Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine for Community
Persons Testing Positive for COVID-19 or Exposed to COVID-19
January 4, 2022

SUMMARY

Based on data analysis of COVID-19 transmission in positive cases from September 1, 2021 –
December 31, 2021, Lewis County is announcing changes to improve our community’s
pandemic response, while simplifying isolation and quarantine rules for the public. The
procedural changes outlined in this document improve the timeliness of case investigation and
contact tracing in Lewis County. This document also adopts CDC’s latest recommendations for
shortened Isolation and Quarantine period for the general population released December 27,
2021. This change is motivated by science demonstrating that most COVID-19 transmission
occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the
2-3 days after.

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 (ISOLATE)

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate for at least 5 days, regardless of
vaccination status. An individual who is asymptomatic or whose symptoms are resolving after 5
days can be released from isolation after they complete day 5. These individuals must continue to
wear a well fitted mask (when around others) for an additional 5 days after release from
isolation. Individuals at increased risk of severe illness or those having trouble breathing,
persistent pain or pressure in chest, altered mental status/confusion, etc. will be required to
complete a 10-day isolation.

IDENTIFICATION OF CLOSE CONTACTS IN NEED OF QUARANTINE

Prior to this policy change, Lewis County Public Health quarantined all unvaccinated close
contacts defined as those within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period. This
included non-household family contacts, school contacts, workplace contacts, and any other
contacts meeting this definition. Those identified were asked to quarantine for 10 days from their
last exposure.

Through examination of cases from September 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021 in Lewis County, it
was found that 58% of cases had a known exposure to COVID-19, prior to their positive test. Of
those with a known exposure, 80% of cases indicated that the exposure was due to someone in
their household previously testing positive for COVID-19. Given this data, the Lewis County
Public Health Department is modifying their close contact quarantine protocol.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints of discrimination should be made known to
The Lewis County Board of Legislators
Unvaccinated and non-boosted individuals (see CDC Updated Quarantine Requirements, below)
in the same household as a positive case of COVID-19, will be the ONLY contacts placed under
quarantine by Lewis County Public Health. For all other close contacts, the positive case will be
advised to inform the contacts of their exposure and encourage them to self-monitor for
symptoms for 5 days and test if any symptoms develop. ** During the case investigation, other
individuals identified to have considerable exposure to a positive case may also be asked to
quarantine on a case-by-case basis.

CDC UPDATED QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

If an individual has been boosted or completed the primary No quarantine -Wear a

series of Pfizer of Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months ormask around others for 10
has been boosted or completed the primary series of the J&J days. Test on day 5 if
vaccine within the last 2 months. possible.
If an individual has been previously diagnosed with COVID- No quarantine - Wear a
19 in the last 90 days. mask around others for 10
days.
If an individual has completed the primary series of Pfizer of Quarantine for 5 days -
Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or After that continue to wear a
completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are mask around others for 5
not boosted or are not vaccinated. additional days. Test on day
5 if possible.

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR EVERYONE EXPSOED TO COVID-19

Irrespective of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 should:

1. Monitor for symptoms for 10 days from day of exposure.
2. Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including
hand hygiene and the use of face coverings for 10 days from exposure.
3. Immediately self-isolated if any symptoms develop and seek testing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMAITON

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Lewis County, and throughout the country, it is vital that
all residents continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These precautions
include wearing a mask when in public, washing your hands, staying home when you are sick,
getting tested if you are not feeling well, and getting vaccinated. If you are not yet vaccinated or
boosted Lewis County Public Health is offering vaccine clinics throughout the month of January,
visit https://www.lewiscounty.org/vaccine-registration to register for a clinic today.

New York State Department of Health is offering free testing at Maple Ridge Center in Lowville
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Fridays 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Community
members will need to use the following link to schedule a test at the Maple Ridge Center:
https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting. Appointments are preferred but not
required. The State-run site currently offers PCR testing with results in 1-3 days. Rapid testing
should be available in the upcoming weeks.