It has been a long two years since the pandemic began, but with COVID-19 transmission rates and hospitalizations dropping, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun to relax some of its guidance and protocol for COVID. What does that mean for the employer? And what’s next?

While the intent of the guidelines is to encourage individuals and employers to return to more “normal” office environments, the CDC is still recommending vigilance, though at a much reduced level, as follows.

1.   Revised Isolation guidelines for Employees/Individuals who Test Positive for COVID

If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the isolation guidelines are now the same regardless of vaccination status. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results should self-isolate at home for 5 full days. If they have no symptoms or the symptoms are resolving after 5 days, the individual can leave their home, but must wear a mask around others for 5 more days.

2.   Revised Quarantine Guidelines for Employees “Close Contact” with an Individual who Tests Positive for COVID

If an individual is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the CDC has divided quarantine times into three categories.

a.    For individuals who are not up-to-date on their COVID 19 vaccinations (including full doses of vaccination and a booster, if eligible), quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask around those in their household. The individual should get tested and watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for up to 10 days after exposure. The CDC recommends no travel, but if individuals must travel within the 6-10 day period, then they should take precautions, including wearing a mask both indoors and in public for that period.

b.    For individuals who are up-to-date on their COVID 19 vaccinations (including full doses of vaccination and booster, if eligible), quarantine is not needed unless the individuals are experiencing symptoms. The CDC still recommends getting tested, watching for symptoms for up to 10 days after exposure, and wearing a mask around others indoor and in public.

c.   For individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (positive result using a viral test), quarantine is not needed unless the individuals develop symptoms. The CDC recommends wearing masks around others indoors and in public for 10 days following exposure, watching for symptoms, and taking precautions if traveling.

3.   Revised Prevention Levels including Mask Wearing

The CDC has identified COVID-19 Community Levels which is now used as a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

From the CDC’s website, the prevention steps in broken into color codes and community burden levels:

The CDC no longer requires mask wearing for most people. However, the CDC states that individuals may choose to mask at any time. Individuals with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID should wear a mask (for at least 10 days from exposure as indicated above).

With the CDC’s changes and revisions, employees will be concerned/confused.  As employees return in greater numbers to the physical workplace, you should review your current COVID-19 office protocols, paying particular attention to your isolation and quarantine requirements, to ensure they are in accordance with current CDC and OSHA guidelines.  You may also want to educate your employees on this revised protocol to minimize their worry and confusion. It is always recommended that you consult with your HR manager and/or outside employment counsel prior to making revisions to your office’s COVID-19 protocol.

If you would like to consult with an attorney on these revised guidelines or your employee handbook and/or policies, the attorneys in our Austin and Dallas offices are available to answer any questions you may have.

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