(COLDWATER) – Some changes have been made by a local health organization on isolation and quarantine guidance.

Based on new recommendations form the Center For Disease Controls and the Michigan Department of Health And Human Services, The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is changing its isolation and quarantine guidance for those who have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19.

This new guidance applies to the general population and may not apply to healthcare workers, those residing in congregate living settings, K-12 schools, or people who work with individuals in high-risk groups. The guidance is also subject to change based on new information received by the agency as science evolves and recommendations are updated.

The CDC says current science indicates the majority of COVID-19 transmission happens early in the illness, generally in the first one to two days before symptoms start and the two to three days thereafter. Therefore, effective immediately, the new guidance for general populations shortens the isolation and quarantine periods under certain scenarios.

If an individual should test positive for COVID-19, the new isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status, are: Stay home for 5 days; If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house; Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days and if you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19, there are new quarantine guidelines. For people who are not fully vaccinated, or if it has been more than six months since they received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or more than two months since receiving the J&J vaccine and have not received a booster: Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days; If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days. If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

For people who are fully vaccinated, meaning it has been 2 weeks since the last dose of vaccine, and have received a booster dose: Wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure; Test five days after the exposure and if you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.