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MAYVILLE – Those fully immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine are now exempt from quarantine if they come in contact with a positive case or travel out of state.
That’s according to the Chautauqua County Health Department who updated its guidance on Tuesday.
Moving forward residents who encounter a positive COVID-19 case, or travel out of state, will no longer be required to quarantine as long as they are not showing symptoms of the virus.
The person would need to be fully vaccinated for two weeks prior.
However, there are some exceptions to the new policy. For example, fully vaccinated healthcare workers who are exposed to the virus should quarantine.
The reason, county Epidemiologist Breeanne Agett says, is because there are still unknowns about the vaccine’s effectiveness.
“Like we see with the flu vaccine, you may still get the flu if you had the vaccine,” explains Agett. “We know that it can decrease severity of the illness, it can reduce hospitalizations, reduce death and reduce community transmission.”
Agett says those vaccinated still need to wear their mask and follow other mitigation measures.
The new policy follows updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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