PA DOH: Quarantine Recommendations After SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test

The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following advisory on March 24:

ADVISORY: Quarantine Recommendations After SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test

Summary:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its quarantine recommendations to include use of SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results.
• Persons who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies do not need to quarantine following a known exposure if the following criteria are met:

1. 1. The person is in a low risk situation (e.g., no contact with persons at high risk of COVID-19 severe illness for 14 days); AND,
   2. The person remains asymptomatic; AND,
   3. The person had a known exposure and has had a positive antibody test during the 3 months prior to the exposure; OR,
   4. The person receives a positive antibody test within 7 days following an exposure.

• This guidance does NOT apply to healthcare facility patients, residents, and staff.
• Regardless of antibody test results, persons who exhibit new or unexplained symptoms of COVID-19 still need to isolate and be evaluated for COVID-19 testing.
• DOH continues to recommend COVID-19 prevention measures such as masking, physical distancing, avoiding nonessential travel, and hand hygiene for all people regardless of vaccination status or past history of COVID-19 infection.
• If you have questions about this guidance, please call your local health department or 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

Click here for the entire health advisory.