Tompkins County COVID update: Changes to isolation, vaccination guidelines
Tompkins County Whole Health released a statement late last week on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and recent changes to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding the virus.
In a statement released Thursday, Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) highlighted a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that people aged 65 or older should receive an additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months following their previous shot.
“We are encouraged by this update in guidance from the CDC, as it reflects a turning point in the course of this pandemic,” Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa stated in the statement. “With effective vaccines and treatment available, risk of severe illness is significantly lowered. (However,) we must remember that respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV more severely impact those with underlying health conditions, people with disabilities, older adults, young children, and pregnant or recently pregnant persons.”
People aged 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses two or more months after receiving their last recommended COVID-19 vaccine.
If infected, how long should you self-isolate?
Last week, TCWH alerted county residents to a change in CDC Isolation guidelines for COVID-19 infections.
The CDC lowered its recommended minimum isolation time for those infected with COVID from 5 days to 24 hours if their symptoms are improving overall and they show no signs of fever, according to the statement.
“People tend to be more infectious when they have a fever,” TCWH said last week. “It is important to note that with this change, a person’s isolation period could vary depending on the severity of their symptoms.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache, among others.
A respiratory virus infection can have many symptoms, some of which can last beyond when someone is infectious, such as a lingering cough.
Curbing the spread
The CDC recommends wearing a well-fitting mask, reducing contact with others, and practicing good hygiene for the first 5 days after isolation to curb the spread of the virus.
Once people resume normal activities following their isolation period, they are encouraged to take precautions for the next five days to curb disease spread, such as wearing a well-fitting mask, reducing contact with others and practicing good hygiene.
“It is essential to protect others by staying home when you are feeling sick, wearing a well-fitting mask when around others as needed, and staying up to date on your vaccinations,” Kruppa said.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout New York. For a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit www.vaccines.gov or speak to your healthcare provider.
COVID-19 test kits and KN95 masks remain available, free of charge, at locations throughout Tompkins County, and remain essential for reducing the virus’s spread.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Tompkins County Whole Health updates COVID guidelines
