PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2021 – PAHAN – 601-10-1-UPD
UPDATE: Quarantine Recommendations After SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test
DATE: TO:
FROM: SUBJECT:
DISTRIBUTION: LOCATION: STREET ADDRESS: COUNTY: MUNICIPALITY:
ZIP CODE:
10/1/2021
Health Alert Network
Alison V. Beam, JD, Acting Secretary of Health
UPDATE: Quarantine Recommendations After SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test
Statewide
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This transmission is a “Health Advisory,” provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
HOSPITALS: PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL MEDICAL, PEDIATRIC, NURSING AND LABORATORY STAFF IN YOUR HOSPITAL; EMS COUNCILS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE; FQHCs: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE LOCAL HEALTH JURISDICTIONS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE; PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP; LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES: PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL MEDICAL, INFECTION CONTROL, AND NURSING STAFF IN YOUR FACILITY
• On September 21, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations regarding the use of SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results in determining quarantine status of individuals exposed to COVID-19.
• An antibody test should not be used to determine the need for quarantine following close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• The guidance contained in this HAN replaces previous guidance detailed in HAN 562.
• Isolation and quarantine guidance is located in HAN 535 and HAN 583.
• If you have questions about this guidance, please call your local health department or 1-
877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is providing guidance based on new information provided by the CDC. This is based on currently available information about COVID-19 and it is subject to change.
In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DOH has updated guidance on the use of antibody testing in determining quarantine status. An antibody test should not be used to determine the need for quarantine following close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This guidance is applicable across all setting types (e.g., healthcare, schools, general community).
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Individuals who are exposed to a person confirmed to have COVID-19 should follow quarantine guidance outlined in HAN 583. The results of an antibody test should not be used in determining the need for or the length of quarantine.
Exposed individuals who experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and tested for SARS- CoV-2 using a viral test, if indicated. Additional guidance on testing and isolation can be found in HAN 535.
Unvaccinated persons, including those who have previously tested antibody positive, should follow current recommendations to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. This includes getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in indoor spaces, practicing physical distancing, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands frequently, and monitoring your health for symptoms of COVID-19.
Persons who have previously tested positive for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 but who currently have COVID-19 symptoms or a NAAT or antigen test indicating a new SARS-CoV-2 infection (re-infection) should be considered contagious and should follow existing isolation guidelines (HAN 535).
Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess for immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID- 19 vaccination or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person.
All eligible people should be vaccinated, including unvaccinated people who have previously been infected and have detectable antibodies.
Additional information on COVID-19 antibody testing can be found on the CDC website.
If you have questions about this guidance, please call your local health department or 1-877-PA-HEALTH
(1-877-724-3258).
Individuals interested in receiving further PA-HANs are encouraged to register at https://han.pa.gov/.
Categories of Health Alert messages:
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Health Update: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
This information is current as of October 1, 2021 but may be modified in the future. We will continue to post updated information regarding the most common questions about this subject.
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