Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Health Centre:
What is Self-Isolation (quarantine) and why is it important
Self-isolation, or quarantine, is the 10-day, followed by 4-day self-monitoring for symptoms, period in which individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, through close contact, but do not yet know if they are sick are asked to stay away from others to limit further spread if they should test positive for COVID-19. While most people become infected within 10 days after exposure, it may take up to 14 days in a minority of cases. For this reason, individuals are asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 4 days following the end of their self-isolation (quarantine). Even if you do not have symptoms now, it is possible to transmit COVID-19 before you start showing symptoms or without ever developing symptoms.
If you become symptomatic during your self-isolation (quarantine), you will need to get tested and must continue self-isolating. If you do not have any symptoms after your 10 day self-isolation (quarantine) period and you have tested negative, you can stop self-isolating. If you develop symptoms after your self-isolation (quarantine) has ended, you should isolate immediately and go for testing.
Note, if you have travelled, your self-isolation (quarantine) period is 14 days.
How it works:
Day 1 – Hailey is advised that she was a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and is instructed to self-isolate (quarantine) for 10 days, followed by self-monitoring for symptoms for 4 more days, and to get tested if symptoms develop.
Day 2 – Hailey goes to get tested while she is showing no symptoms.
Day 5 – Hailey receives a negative test result.
Day 7 – Thinking she didn’t have COVID-19 and that she wasn’t contagious, Hailey attends a gathering and is in close contact with 13 people.
Day 9 – Hailey develops symptoms of COVID-19 and gets tested again.
Day 11 – Hailey tests positive for COVID-19.
Hailey was contagious for 48 hours before her symptoms started, and she exposed 13 people to COVID-19. Through contact tracing these people have been identified as her close contacts and are now required to self-isolate (quarantine) for 10 days, followed by self-monitoring for symptoms for 4 days, unless otherwise exempt.
COVID-19 spreads easily if given the chance, this is why it is important to self-isolate (quarantine) for the full for 10 days and continue self-monitoring for symptoms for 4 days. Only get tested if you develop symptoms or are advised by a public health official to go for testing.
What is the difference between self-isolation (quarantine) and isolation?
Self-isolation, or quarantine, is the 10-day period in which individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, but do not yet know if they are sick, are asked to stay away from others to limit further spread. While most people become infected within 10 days, it may take up to 14 days in a minority of cases. For this reason, individuals are asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 4 days following the end of their self-isolation (quarantine). Even if you do not have symptoms now, it is possible to transmit COVID-19 before you start showing symptoms or without ever developing symptoms. Note, if you have travelled, your self-isolation (quarantine) period is 14 days.
Isolation is the 10-day period in which individuals who are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 are required to stay away from others who are not sick because they could spread COVID-19. Most people are infectious for ten days after their symptoms begin.
When Self-Isolation (Quarantine) Ends:
Self-isolation (quarantine) for close contacts of a COVID-19 case is for 10 days, total. This means your self-isolation (quarantine) period ends on the 11th day after your last contact to someone with COVID-19. For example, if your Day One was March 28, your self-isolation ends on April 7. If you have no symptoms, this means you can stop self-isolating on April 8.
However, you should continue to self-monitor for symptoms 4 days after your self-isolation (quarantine) ends and immediately isolate if any develop. In addition you should also focus on the fundamentals, including physical distancing, wearing masks and washing your hands.
Note: As per the public health order, 14 days of self-isolation (quarantine) is required for all individuals returning to or coming to Manitoba from all jurisdictions, unless the individual is exempt in the order from quarantine. Individuals who travelled internationally, must follow Federal testing and self-isolation (quarantine) requirements
