Pennsylvania Department of Health 2021 Updated Guidance

Alison V. Beam, JD, Acting Secretary of Health
Public Health Recommendations for People Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 DISTRIBUTION

Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides this guidance based on available information about COVID-19 and is subject to change. On July 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendations for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 given new evidence on the B.1.617.2. (Delta) variant currently circulating in the United States.

Based on these updated recommendations, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is updating guidance for individuals exposed to COVID-19. This guidance, which replaces PA-HAN-566, provides clarification on quarantine guidance and public health mitigation strategies (e.g., masking, social distancing) based on vaccination status.

• This guidance replaces PA-HAN-566 and provides clarification on quarantine recommendations for persons exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
• In counties with substantial or high transmission, CDC and DOH recommend all persons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Fully vaccinated people who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are to be tested 2–5 days after exposure and should wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test.
• Regardless of vaccination status, any person with new or unexplained symptoms of COVID-19 still needs to isolate and be evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 testing.
• If you have questions about this guidance, please call your local health department or 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).