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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">MEDIA ADVISORY</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">December 8, 2020</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Brian Adkisson
<br />Communications and Creative Services Manager
<br />Community Relations
<br />City of Columbia
<br />Brian.Adkisson@CoMo.gov
<br />573.874.7330</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">New quarantine protocols from CDC</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <em><strong>Note to our media partners:</strong> We want to emphasize that while Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has added new options to its quarantine protocol based on CDC guidance, the full 14 day quarantine is still the preferred time frame. Below are the full protocols that PHHS is now utilizing. In your reporting to our community we ask that you assist us in ensuring that the 14 day quarantine is still referred to the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19.<br /><br /><br /></em>Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has added new options to its quarantine protocol based on CDC guidance published Dec. 2. <br /><br />The full 14 day quarantine is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and is still the safest option. There are now additional options to reduce the length of quarantine, IF you have NO symptoms. Quarantine may en
d after 10 days, or after 7 days with a negative PCR test. <br /><br />What you need to know: <br />
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<li>Ending quarantine early is only an option if you have NO symptoms of COVID-19.</li>
<li>In order to end quarantine early, you must continue monitoring your symptoms and wear a mask at all times around others for the full 14 days after exposure. Additionally, avoid contact with individuals who are at high risk for Covid-19 for the full 14 days.
<ul>
<li>Wearing a mask applies in all settings. </li>
<li>If you cannot wear a mask in any setting, including at home, you will need to separate yourself from others or not participate in activities where a mask cannot be worn for the full 14 day quarantine.</li>
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</li>
<li>If choosing the option to test and end quarantine in 7 days, you will need to get tested on or after Day 5 of your quarantine. Getting tested before Day 5 could result in a false negative. Talk to your doctor or testing site to make sure you’re getting a PCR test because a PCR test is more reliable for people without symptoms. </li>
<li>If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any time during your 14 day quarantine period, please isolate immediately and get tested.</li>
<li>All other quarantine protocols, including what defines a close contact and guidelines for continued exposure, remain in place.</li>
<li>Continue to wear your mask after your quarantine period has ended. Our best researchers and medical experts have found that always wearing a mask around those outside our household is imperative to slowing the spread even when the 14 day quarantine is complete. </li>
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For more information from the CDC please visit: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html </a><br /><br /><br /></div>
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<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
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<em>To serve the public through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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