DCHD Makes Significant Changes To Direct Contact COVID-19 Guidelines

Receiving two negative test results is no longer an option for removal of isolation status.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Significant changes have been made to direct contact COVID-19 guidelines for Dearborn County. 

Medical director Stephen C. Eliason tells Eagle Country 99.3 that close or direct contacts are now required to isolate for 14 days, and that receiving two negative test results is no longer an option for removal of isolation status.  

You are considered direct or close contact if you meet any of these criteria:

- You were within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes

- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19

- You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, kissed, etc.)

- You shared eating or drinking utensils

- Were in contact with a sneeze, cough or other respiratory droplets

According to the Dearborn County Health Department, direct or close contacts should stay in home isolation for a total of 14 days from last contact with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19, and watch for fever or other symptoms of the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to: fever, chills, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, cough, congestion or runny nose. 

Anyone exhibiting signs of troubled breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, an inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, please seek emergency care immediately. 

For those that have tested positive for COVID-19, you must isolate at home whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic persons must meet all three of the following conditions to leave isolation:

- Isolate for a period of 10 days after symptom onset

- Be free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine

- Symptoms have improved

Asymptomatic person must isolate for period of 10 days from positive test date. 

Those in isolation should stay home until it is safe to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a designated "sick room" or area and use a separate bathroom if possible. You should not leave the home unless it is to seek medical treatment. 

For more information, visit https://www.dearborncounty.org/department/division.php?structureid=155.