As the novel coronavirus outbreak has intensified worldwide, public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have urged the public to practice social distancing to limit the virus’s spread. As the number of cases has grown, certain groups have been asked to also self-quarantine and self-isolate. But when is it appropriate to enact self-quarantine or self-isolation, and what steps should be taken to minimize the risk of transmission between household members?
For answers to these and other questions, the Hub turned to Crystal Watson, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
What is the difference between self-quarantine, self-isolation, and social distancing?
Self-quarantine is staying in place, either at home or elsewhere, for fourteen days because you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Self-isolation would be isolating within the house after you start showing symptoms of COVID-19. Social distancing is a response in which people remain home and distant from others (such as by refraining from shaking hands or hugging or going to the store at off hours), without any known exposure to the virus, to limit possible transmission to or from others.
What are the signs or symptoms that someone should self-isolate? When can the self-isolation end?
If you do develop symptoms, like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, that is when you would need to self-isolate at home, away from other household members. If you develop these symptoms, contact your medical provider but stay home as long as those symptoms are manageable (like you would for a normal cold or flu). If you have severe shortness of breath or if symptoms suddenly get worse, that is when you should seek out medical care.
According to CDC guidelines, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate until their symptoms have resolved and it has been at least seven additional days since symptoms first appeared to ensure they are no longer contagious.
What is the safest way to self-isolate one person within a larger household?
If you can have a separate space for the sick person—a space where they can access the restroom without traveling through commons spaces—that would be best. Those who are caring for loved ones who are sick at home should wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact as much as possible, and have the sick individual wear a surgical or procedure mask to prevent droplets spreading through the air. It is also important to clean frequent- or high-touch surfaces, as well to clean clothes in very hot water. Caregivers should also wear a mask, if possible.
In households that are not able to accommodate these suggestions, what else can be done to limit transmission at home?
If you’re not a caregiver, maintaining six feet of distance and washing your hands frequently are the main steps, along with cleaning surfaces often. If you are a caregiver, it’s certainly tougher. You should wear a mask if possible and follow the other guidelines of handwashing and cleaning clothes and surfaces frequently.
How can parents and other caregivers help children and dependents who are unable to follow the recommended advice (like washing hands and not touching your face), particularly if they need to be self-isolated?
I think that’s a tougher situation. It’s very hard to stay away from kids, especially when they’re ill and need care and comfort. If possible, main caregivers should be those who are not at high risk from COVID-19, meaning those not over age sixty or with underlying health issues. Other than that, it’s important to take the normal precautions in terms of handwashing and cleaning, but it is much more difficult with children.
How much can caregivers rely on childcare alternatives (relatives, neighbors, babysitters) in this moment?
In general, it’s important to keep the circle smaller. At the moment, not exposing yourself to many additional people is best. Healthcare workers, people with critical jobs, and hourly employees who have to work will need to rely on childcare providers. In those situations, you may ask someone you know and trust, and who is reliable in taking the social distancing rules seriously. If possible, childcare providers should not be in a group that’s at high-risk for COVID.
What supplies should be on hand, for both self-quarantine and self-isolation?
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