New COVID-19 Quarantine Options Explained

Daytona Beach, FL - Both Volusia and Flagler counties are following the Department of Health’s newly issued COVID-19 quarantine options for close contacts to COVID-19 cases. The new options went into effect on Monday, December 7, 2020. 

The new options are adapted from CDC updates released last week. The definition of close contact in this instance is being within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, regardless of mask usage.

While a 14-day quarantine is still recommended if possible, it can be reduced to ten days without getting a COVID-19 test or seven days after receiving a negative Molecular (PCR) test result taken on or after day six from exposure.  If the close contact is showing any symptoms of COVID-19, quarantine must continue.

There are exclusions including persons who are close contacts related to long-term care facilities, acute care facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

After stopping quarantine, you should:

• Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure
• If you develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider
• Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19

PCR results typically are available in three to five days from the test date. You can get your results on the Healthy Together App. It's available for download on the App Store or Google Play and provides secure COVID-19 Molecular (PCR) test results. Once FDOH receives your test results, a text message will be sent from the number 78549 to the phone number provided during the testing process. To get your personal information, enter your date of birth and the phone number provided during testing for authentication purposes to ensure the confidentiality of their results.

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. 

For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. 

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov