Degrees of Separation

As the number of cases of COVID continues to grow at an increasing rate, more and more of you are being directly or indirectly exposed.  I’ve fielded dozens of questions this week asking about the proper response to exposure to someone with COVID.  So, here’s a brief, generalized, overview of current recommendations.

Zero Degrees

If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID, you should self-quarantine to prevent exposure to others.  If your symptoms worsen, you should be in contact with your doctor, or seek emergency help. 

There are three basic criteria to come out of self-quarantine:     

1.      It must be at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms

2.      You must be fever free for at least 3 full days

3.      Your symptoms must be improving

There are other strategies that are in place for healthcare workers, and those in other industries, that involve repeat testing, but the above criteria are for the general population.

One Degree

If you’ve been in direct contact with someone who has now tested positive for COVID, you should self-quarantine for 14 days from your last contact.  This should be a strict quarantine, significantly limiting interaction and exposure with others.  Direct contact would be considered contact within six feet, without masks.  This would include household contacts, co-workers, etc.  The time you spend with the person increases your risk, and indoor exposure seems to increase risk when compared to outdoor exposure.  It is important to monitor for symptoms during this time, and testing is recommended if you develop any symptoms.

Indirect contact would best be described as being in the same vicinity as someone who tested positive, or being in closer contact, but with both parties wearing a mask.  Strict self-quarantine is probably not necessary in this situation, but self-monitoring for symptoms and being mindful of interactions with others is recommended.  Strictly follow social distancing, hand washing and mask recommendations.

Testing is appropriate for someone with direct exposure to a COVID-positive contact, but a negative test should not give a false sense of security.  A negative test does not reduce the recommended 14-day self-quarantine. 

Two Degrees

At this point, almost everyone in our area has had contact with “someone-who-was-around-someone” who had COVID.  There are no specific guidelines for these situations, but I think some general measures are appropriate.  You should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID, and limit the number of people you contact for 14 days.  You should also stay in touch with those who had direct contact with the COVID-positive person.  If one of them tests positive, or becomes symptomatic, then you’ve moved from two degrees of separation to one.

In general, it is probably wise for everyone to behave as though they are only two degrees removed from a positive case, as this is likely true for most. 

• You should avoid crowds. 

• You should stay home when you can. 

• You should wear masks in public. 

• You should stay home if you’re not feeling well. 

• You should maintain social distance whenever possible. 

• You shouldn’t travel if not necessary.