COVID-19: Navigating Changing Guidelines

The guidelines around coronavirus can be confusing, especially as these guidelines continue to change with the shifts in the severity of cases in Mississippi. To help you navigate the latest policies, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Isolation and quarantine are essential measures that we must take to keep our family, friends and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), isolation is meant to separate sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. In contrast, quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become ill.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, how and when should quarantine and isolation be practiced?

If you or a family member are exposed to COVID-19, you will need to quarantine — even if you are not experiencing physical symptoms. That means remaining home for 10 days, limiting interaction with your immediate household and not interacting with friends, coworkers and members of the public in person. You are encouraged, however, to get outside (in your yard only), if possible.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to isolate at home for 14 days. That means living separately from family, eating alone and using a separate bathroom if possible. If you are in common areas, you should wear a mask.

How long after being exposed to COVID should I be tested?

You will need to wait five to seven days after your potential exposure before being tested unless you begin to develop symptoms (either one major symptom and one minor symptom or two minor symptoms). If you are tested too early, you could receive a false negative.

Our team can help you get tested at the right time. If you are exposed to the virus, give us a call, and we will make you an appointment.

If my child has a fever, should they be tested?

Any child who develops fever should be evaluated for COVID, as well as other potential illnesses such as the flu or strep. It’s important to keep in mind that we are getting into the ‘sick’ season, and the number of fevers we’re seeing in children is going to continue to increase — and many are going to be unrelated to coronavirus.

Do I need to continue to quarantine if my COVID test is negative?

Yes. If you were exposed to COVID-19 but receive a negative test result, you still need to finish your 10-day quarantine. 

If I was potentially exposed to COVID, should those I have been in contact with quarantine and be tested as well?

No, contacts of contacts who were potentially exposed with COVID do not need to quarantine or be tested unless they develop symptoms or unless your test comes back positive.

Which COVID test should I receive?

We recommend that patients receive the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Although it will take a few days to get your actual results, this is the gold standard COVID test — and it is the test being used most frequently. While the rapid test does provide a faster answer, it has been producing a high degree of false negatives. If you get a negative test result from the rapid test, you should confirm with a PCR test.  

What activities are safe for my family to participate in now that things are opening back up?

Virtual events and outdoor activities with small, contained groups continue to hold the least risk for exposure. The Texas Medical Association has put together an easy-to-follow ranking of activities based on risk level.

Do masks really work?

YES! Continue to wear a mask when out in public. Also, remember to wash your hands often.