The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) currently maintains a comprehensive webpage that provides up to date “recommendations and guidance” specifically related to COVID-19 close contacts and contact tracing. This site clearly defines “close contact” and includes testing recommendations and safety measures for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals that have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Moreover, regardless of one’s vaccination status, MDH strongly recommends that anyone that feels sick and/or tests positive for COVID-19 should adhere to the following protocols:
- Stay home. Do not go to work, school, or any other place outside the home except for testing or needed medical care. Stay away from others, including people who are fully vaccinated.
- Stay away from people who may be at high-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults, those living in long-term care facilities, and people with health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, severe obesity, or weakened immune systems.
- Separate yourself from other people in your home. If possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if you can.
- Do not use public transportation, ridesharing (such as Uber or Lyft), or taxis.
- Wear a facemask if around other people. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then wash hands thoroughly.
- Avoid sharing personal household items. Do not share food, dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
In addition, the MDH Close Contacts and Tracing site provides detailed quarantine guidance, including instructions regarding 7-Day, 10-Day, and 14-Day (the safest option) quarantines. For more information on close contacts and tracing, testing recommendations, where to get the vaccine, COVID-19 medications (monoclonal antibodies), and how to keep you, your family, and your community safe, please visit the MDH Close Contacts and Tracing webpage.
