Guidance for self-isolation by those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not yet showing symptoms
COVID-19 is circulating in Iowa communities and many more Iowans are likely to become ill in the coming weeks. This guidance offered by the Iowa Department of Public Health describes self-isolation recommendations for well Iowans with potential COVID-19 exposure.
Iowans who may not yet be showing symptoms should stay at home and isolate themselves from other people and animals in the home in the following situations. Isolation should be in place for 14 days after the last exposure:
• Traveled outside of Iowa for business or vacation in the last 14 days.
• Taken a cruise anywhere in the world in the last 14 days.
• Traveled internationally to a country with a level 3 travel warning in the last 14 days.
• Live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
Self-isolation means:
• Stay home and do not go to work, public areas or attend gatherings.
• Do not use public transportation, ride sharing or taxis.
• Postpone all travel.
• Wash hands often and practice good hygiene.
• Postpone all non-essential medical appointments until 14 days of self-isolation have been completed. Those who have an essential medical appointment during this time should contact their healthcare provider and local public health professionals as needed to help coordinate the visit.
What to watch for during self-isolation:
• Take temperature twice a day. Watch for a fever.
• Watch for cough or difficulty breathing.
Considerations for family or fellow residents:
• Family members or other persons who reside in the same home may remain in the home, but they should stay in a specific room away from others in the home and use a separate bathroom (if available).
• As long as a self-isolated individual remains healthy, the other persons in the home can go about their daily activities as normal (there is no restriction on their movement).
• There should not be any direct contact with any animals (i.e., dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep and goats) out of an abundance of caution. Arrange for pets to be cared for and housed outside of the home, if possible.
If a cough and fever with difficulty breathing develop and healthcare is needed, call the healthcare provider or facility first for an assessment over the telephone to determine whether a further assessment in person may be necessary or if the ailing individual should be able to recover at home. Also, there may be options for talking to a medical provider from home using technology.
