Vermont Department of Health Follows the Centers for Disease Control, Ending Recommendation for Five-Day COVID-19 Isolation Period
As of March 8, 2024, the Vermont Department of Health released new guidance regarding COVID‑19 treatment. This new guidance aligns with the Centers for Disease Control’s (“CDC”) latest guidance that ends the recommended five (5) day isolation period after a positive COVID-19 test, instead focusing on symptom management.
What is the new guidance?
The recent guidance issued from the CDC and adopted by Vermont recommends that COVID-19 be treated like other respiratory viral diseases, such as influenza or RSV, rather than a uniquely dangerous disease. Therefore, the CDC now advises that if an individual is feeling sick after testing positive for COVID-19, they should stay home and away from others, just as they should for other respiratory diseases. However, there is no longer a recommended five (5) day isolation period. Instead, if the individual who tested positive for COVID-19: (a) feels like their symptoms are better overall; and (b) has not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicines), then they can return to their normal activities.
The Vermont Department of Health does recommend that after returning to normal activities, the individual should engage in the following, in order to reduce possible harm to others:
- Practice good hygiene.
- Keep physical distance from other people as much as possible.
- Consider having gatherings outside or using an air filter.
- Wear a mask.
- Consider continuing to test for COVID-19. Testing can help decide if the individual needs to take more steps to protect themselves and others.
Are There Exceptions?
This guidance does not apply to health care workers, long-term care facilities or other health care settings such as hospitals.
How does this affect employers?
Employers should consider updating or redrafting their current COVID-19 policies and procedures. They should also consider sending an announcement to their employees with the new guidance and how they plan to proceed. Though COVID-19 cases in Vermont are currently low, employees should be comfortable and understand their employer’s expectations in the event they do test positive.
Helpful Links:
Vermont Department of Health Guidance: https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-treatment
Center for Disease Control Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html
Here at Gravel & Shea, we are well versed in drafting and modifying any policy, such as a COVID-19 policy. We are also able to advise and guide employers on how to implement these policies.
Please contact Heather Hammond (hhammond@gravelshea.com) at Gravel & Shea PC if you have questions or would like assistance.
