The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have issued updated guidance that reduces the quarantine period for those exposed to COVID 19. There are two options; both require individuals to be symptom free. The first is a seven day quarantine. If after day five there are no symptoms they can be tested and if negative, removed from the quarantine after day seven.
The second option, a 10 day quarantine with no testing. If there are no symptoms after the 10 days, a person can end the quarantine period.
Franklin County Health Officer, Dr. Bud Ransom, says it is incredibly important for people to remember that the incubation period for COVID 19 is 14 days, and the hope is that a shortened quarantine period will encourage better compliance for those who get the orders. He says the Health Department has seen many cases where the infection has been hidden, in order to keep working or attend family gatherings and the new guidelines will inspire people to get tested when they are not feeling good.
