DHS: Revised quarantine time for close contacts will go into effect Dec. 7

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- In response to new guidelines released by the CDC, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated quarantine guidance for close contacts of someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Health officials still recommend a 14-day quarantine to slow the spread of the virus.

However, DHS now allows that people who do not develop symptoms can end their quarantine after completing day 10 of quarantine without testing or after completing day seven of quarantine and receiving a negative test result that was collected within 48 hours of the end of quarantine.

“For many, there may be barriers that make quarantining for a full 14 days extremely challenging,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “While a shorter quarantine carries additional risk of spreading COVID-19, when done responsibly, it can make quarantining easier for more Wisconsinites.”

The department says the updated guidance will go into effect for Wisconsinites on Monday, Dec. 7.