Am I under isolation?
Any resident of Erie County who has tested positive for COVID-19 is subject to isolation in accordance with the Standing Commissioner’s Order.
What if I ignore the isolation order?
Ignoring the isolation order is a crime punishable under Section 12-b of the Public Health Law. Additionally, the Department of Health can seek to confine you in a medical facility for failing to comply.
Okay, so how can I get out of isolation?
You must remain in isolation until you meet the New York State Department of Health Advisory “Symptom-Based Strategy to Discontinue Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19” guidance. Once you meet the criteria in the guidance, you can end your isolation.
What are the guidance criteria?
Here are the Criteria: If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing, the guidance criteria are:
· It’s been at least 10 days since you first started experiencing symptoms; AND
· You haven’t had a fever in at least 3 days, without taking fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol); AND
· Any shortness of breath/coughing/difficulty breathing has improved. If you meet ALL THREE criteria, you can end your isolation. If you haven’t experienced any of those symptoms, the guidance criteria are: · It’s been at least 10 days since you had your first positive COVID-19 test; AND
· You haven’t had any subsequent illness If you meet BOTH of these criteria, you can end your isolation
So if I meet the guidance criteria I’m totally free?
NO! Meeting the guidance criteria only frees you from medical isolation. You’re still subject to all other applicable State and Local laws and Executive Orders.
But if I’m cleared, I can’t get anybody else sick, right?
Wrong. While the guidance criteria are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, it’s still possible that you can infect other people.
What can I do to prevent that?
Be careful. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Cover any coughs. Avoid close contact with anyone over 65, or anyone with a compromised immune system or underlying illness. Maintain proper social distancing. Stay home unless you need to go out. I understand all that.
Do I need anything from the Health Department?
No. Once you meet the guidance criteria, your isolation period is finished.
ECDOH COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Documents:
https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ecdoh-covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-documents
Quarantine and Isolation on campus:
Containment: Isolation Quarantine Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection Communication
https://coronavirus.buffalostate.edu/containment
Chancellor Malatras Issues Emergency Uniform SUNY-Wide Safety Protocols to Strengthen Penalties for Reckless Behavior and Non-Compliance of COVID-19 Codes: New Uniform Rules, Developed in Consultation with Campus Leaders from Across the System, Required for all Colleges Designed to Protect Public Health and Ensure Campuses Can Remain Open During Pandemic
https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/09-2020/9-25-20-protocols/covid-safety-protocols.html
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