Onondaga County Health Department follows the most current recommendations and guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for isolation and exposures.

If you test positive, immediately isolate yourself and notify your close contacts and your workplace or school. 

NEW online calculator!
Use the helpful tool below to help determine how long you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.


Please note that the calculator is not for people with COVID-19 who are moderately or severely ill or those who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)-they should talk to their doctor about when to end isolation.


Self-Attestation for Release from Isolation
When you have met the requirements for release from isolation you may complete a self-attestation form as legal documentation for your isolation and for New York Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims.

The forms are for your own use, DO NOT submit them to the Health Department. If you do not have access to a printer, email bdccovid19@ongov.net or call 315-435-3236 for a paper form.

Isolation
Isolation keeps someone who is infected with COVID-19 away from others. If you test positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status, isolate immediately.

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, or if you’re sick and suspect you have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results, you should isolate yourself from others, regardless of vaccination status.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others for at least 5 days. If you had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 and are fever-free after 5 days, you can end isolation and wear a high-quality mask through day 10. But if you had moderate or severe COVID-19 or you are immunocompromised, you should isolate through day 10.

Quarantine
The CDC no longer recommends quarantining if you are exposed.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.

 

Special Populations

Schools and Youth: Pre-K to 12
For isolation and quarantine, schools are advised to follow NYSDOH guidance. 

Childcare Settings
Please see the guidance provided by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

High-Risk Congregate Settings
These include corrections, shelters, group homes, or other residential care settings. Please see the guidance provided by the NYSDOH.

Healthcare Settings
Healthcare settings should follow NYSDOH guidance for healthcare personnel returning to work.


Employer Paid Sick Leave

Paid Sick Leave: ny.gov/programs/new-york-paid-sick-leave
Paid Leave for COVID-19: paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19
Paid Sick Leave for COVID Vaccine Recovery: dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/psl-and-vaccine-recovery-guidance-9-22-21.pdf

If your employer is not properly paying you for the COVID-19 sick leave days, you may file a complaint with the Department of Labor.