CDC changes COVID-19 close contact definition to total exposure to infected

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its definition of close contact last week regarding COVID-19 exposure.

Officials now say people can get infected through short, but repeated, close encounters totaling 15 minutes over 24 hours.

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An expert said this new definition means more people may have to quarantine when there’s a positive case.

For months, the CDC said you were considered to be in close contact with someone if you spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Now, you’re considered a close contact if you spent a total of 15 minutes with a COVID-19 positive person.

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So, think shorter but repeated close encounters over the course of 24 hours.

The CDC said close contacts are supposed to quarantine for two weeks.

That’s why Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said this new definition could “increase potentially the number of people, especially in a workplace, that may place in quarantine.”

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Pino said his team and other county health departments, even before the new definition, were considering total exposure.

The formal change further underscores the importance of keeping interactions brief, and wearing masks when you can’t maintain social distancing.

See the full report in the video above.

Cox Media Group