What To Do If You Are Exposed To Someone With COVID

New guidelines issued for COVID-19 exposure

By Darlynn Williams, Powder River Public Health Nurse

If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.

When around others, wear a mask for 10 full days. You can develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed. Wear a high-quality mask any time you are around others inside your home or in public.

Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Examples include: elderly, those with a weakened immune system, and those with underlying health conditions such as obesity or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Watch for symptoms such as a new cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, nasal congestion/pressure, sore throat or fever. If you develop symptoms isolate immediately, get tested and stay home until you know the result. Take precautions until your symptoms resolve. If you test positive, follow isolation recommendations.