FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2022
CONTACT:
communications@snohd.org
Updates to Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
Changes done to align with recent state and federal revisions
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced updates to their isolation and quarantine guidance for the general public, which the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) aligned with the following day. However, these changes were for the general public.
Both CDC and DOH have indicated that they would be updating guidance for people staying, working or learning in non-healthcare congregate settings. This includes childcares, schools, shelters and similar settings. New K-12 guidance and supplemental recommendations were released Jan. 7.
“I know this has been challenging with different groups having to follow different guidance,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District. “However, until or unless new guidance is issued by the state, remaining groups need to continue to follow existing DOH and CDC guidance for their setting. If there are any conflicts between DOH requirements and CDC guidance, then the DOH requirements supersede.”
RESOURCE: Summary of Isolation & Quarantine Guidance by Group
These recent changes also required some adjustments to local Health Officer Orders previously issued. Dr. Spitters has issued Health Officer Order 2022-02, which supersedes and replaces the previous local isolation order, quarantine directive, and masking directive.
The new order defers to and harmonizes with statewide control measures, requiring all people in Snohomish County to follow:
- Current and subsequent editions of COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance issued by DOH; and
- The Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order 20-03.6 as it now reads or is hereinafter amended; and
- All other COVID-19 requirements of the Governor, Secretary of Health, Washington State Board of Health, or DOH as they read now or are hereinafter amended.
This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
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