If you’ve recently traveled to a country designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. Below you will find guidance for self-monitoring after returning from a country tied to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.
What Is Home Self-Monitoring?
Home self-monitoring is when you you check yourself for a fever and remain alert for cough or shortness of breath. Everyone required to self-monitor will be provided a plan for whom to contact during the self-monitoring period to determine whether medical evaluation is needed if they develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
People on home self-monitoring are also asked to stay at home and avoid going outside for the entire self-monitoring period. You should not attend work, school, public events, or group gatherings.
Why Do I Need To Home Self-Monitor?
To stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the U.S., people who spent time in areas designated by the CDC (within the previous 14 days) will be screened at the airport for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors for infection.
After this screening:
- Travelers arriving from CDC-designated areas, who have no symptoms, will be transported to a quarantine location in as directed by the CDC
- Most travelers returning from CDC-designated areas, who have no symptoms, will be given information about home self-monitoring and can continue to their destination.
- The local health department will be in contact with the travelers to provide more information.
- Others with possible exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 may also be asked to home self-monitor by the Health Department.
How Does Home Self-Monitoring Work?
- Take your temperature 2x per day
- Check for symptoms like cough or shortness of breath
- Stay at home and remain out of public places. Avoid going to school or work
- If you have fever or symptoms, call the Health Department in your area
- Self-monitoring needs to be conducted for 14 days since the day you left the CDC designated country that requires home self-monitoring (even if you spent time in another country before entering the U.S
What About My Family or Other People I Live With?
If members of your household were not in one of the CDC-designated countries, they can continue to go to school and work.
Note: If you develop fever, cough or shortness of breath, other members of your household should stay home until your symptoms are checked out by a medical provider.
What Should I Do If I Develop A Cough, Fever, or Shortness of Breath?
If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath while in home self-monitoring, avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with other people. Call your local Health Department for further instructions.
What If I Need to Leave Home to Receive Medical Care for a Chronic Illness or Other issue?
If you need to see a doctor or health care provider for a medical issue, you should call your provider ahead of your visit and inform them of your recent travel.
[hs2020_shortcode_include_template filename=”learnmore-coronavirus”]