Question: We just found out that my husband– who has been caring for our 4-year-old who is recovering from COVID– has himself tested positive.  He’s vaccinated (not yet boosted), so this is a breakthrough infection.  He’s also asymptomatic.  I understand that he needs to self-isolate for 10 days.  What I’m not sure is what this means for my older girls (who are vaccinated and supposed to go to school tomorrow) and myself.  Is there any guidance?

Answer: CDC does have guidance for this type of situation. Since you and your older girls are fully vaccinated, you do NOT need to quarantine UNLESS you have symptoms.  Instead, you should get tested 5-7 days after your most recent exposure and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative (Box).  And in terms of testing, you should ideally get tested 2-3 days after your husband’s positive test, and then another 5-7 days after he ends isolation.  Finally, I’m sending well wishes, hoping that your 4-year-old is feeling better, that your husband remains asymptomatic, and that you and your older girls keep healthy (mentally, physically, and emotionally).

Box. Guidance for when you are vaccinated and exposed to the virus from a close contact (from CDC)