Contact Tracing: Quarantine & Isolation Resources

Contact tracing is critical to our community's ability to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. People who participate in contact tracing are actively helping to keep their community safe by helping public health officials track the virus. 

Contact tracing involves educating people who are sick so they understand why they need to isolate, making sure those people have what they need to stay isolated, and identifying additional people who may have been exposed.


Contact Tracing Current Status

Due to the surge of cases related to the Omicron variant, Lane County Public Health is no longer able to call every COVID-19 case and is moving to an “opt-in” system.

If you tested positive and have questions, you can call Lane County Public Health’s Non-Emergency Line at 541-682-1380. A Case Investigator will be available to take your call between 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Please review the rest of this webpage for guidance on isolation and quarantine.

RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

I tested positive for COVID-19

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, Lane County Public Health advises you observe isolation. For more information on what isolation means:
What to do if you test positive (Guidebook - English)

Qué hacer cuando obtiene un resultado positivo (Guidebook - Español)

If you are not sure how long you should isolate, please use our Isolation Calculator.

If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 (with a home test or at a testing facility) you can fill out this online form if you need a letter or resources.


If you have questions, please call the Non-Emergency COVID-19 Call Center at 541-682-1380, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday (English/Spanish)

I tested positive for COVID on an at-home test

If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 with an at-home test, please fill out this online form. 


If you have tested positive for COVID-19, Lane County Public Health advises you observe isolation. For more information on what isolation means:
What to do if you test positive (Guidebook - English)

Qué hacer cuando obtiene un resultado positivo (Guidebook - Español)

If you are not sure how long you should isolate, please use our Isolation Calculator.


You can fill out this online form if you need a letter or resources.


If you have questions, please call the Non-Emergency COVID-19 Call Center at 541-682-1380, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday (English/Spanish)

My iHealth Home Test Kit is expired. Can I use it?

On Jul 8, 2022, the FDA granted another three-month shelf-life extension for the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, which extended the shelf-life of all iHealth tests. You can check the lot number to see the new expiration date here

FDA At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I quarantine after an exposure?

General population – no quarantine

  • Monitor for symptoms for 10 days after last exposure

  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after last exposure

  • Avoid unnecessary visits with high-risk individuals for 10 days after last exposure

  • Consider testing 5 – 7 days after exposure

  • If test positive or develop symptoms, use our isolation calculator

 

Healthcare workers

Depends on your risk exposure – please see the OHA Guidance

High Risk Exposure

  • If not up to date* on COVID-19 vaccines

    • 10 day quarantine from last exposure

    • 7 day option if test on Day 5 – 7 from last exposure is negative

Low Risk Exposure

  • No quarantine recommended

 

Patients & Residents in healthcare settings

  • 10 day quarantine period

    • 7 day option if test on Day 5 - 7 after exposure is negative & asymptomatic

  • May forgo quarantine for patients or residents that are up to date on COVID vaccine in an effort to mitigate critical issues (e.g., PPE, space, staff)

  • If patient or resident works outside of the facility, may continue to work after exposure if asymptomatic

 

Non-Healthcare Congregate Settings

Includes but is not limited to: homeless shelters and transitional housing

Residents

  • If possible, 10 day quarantine period after last exposure outside of the facility

  • If a resident works or attends school outside of the setting, may continue to attend work or school after exposure if asymptomatic

Staff

  • 10 day quarantine period after last exposure if NOT up to date on vaccination

*up to date = For individuals 5-49 years of age*: received a COVID-19 booster, or completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 5 months, or completed the primary series of J&J within the last 2 months.

For individuals ≥50 years of age: received two COVID-10 booster doses, or received one booster dose within the last 4 months, or completed
the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 5 months, or
completed the primary series of J&J within the last 2 months.

*Individuals who are 12-49 years of age and who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should follow the guidance for individuals ≥50 to be considered up-to-date

I need a quarantine letter

If you were recently exposed to COVID-19 and require a letter from Lane County Public Health, you request one using the this online form.

I need help with resources to isolate/quarantine

If you need assistance to observe isolation or quarantine, please use this online form.

For a list of the services that are available to the community, please review our “Quarantine & Isolation Resources” document. 

Patient Privacy and your Medical Information

Your medical information is protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). All staff and volunteers who are serving as contact tracers have received HIPAA training. Information collected during contact tracing is stored on secure servers that are only accessible to approved Public Health officials.

We will also not identify you as a possible exposure point when we call your potential contacts. They may be able to make an educated guess, but Lane County will not confirm that information. You may choose to identify yourself to your contacts if you prefer.

What if I need help with resources to quarantine/isolate? (Groceries, prescriptions etc.)?

Please review the Quick Links (below on mobile devices - above right on desktop and tablet devices) for quarantine and isolation resources or the above "Resources for Community Members" section for a list of resources.

Lane County Public Health may connect you with area non-profits and organizations to help.

This may include assistance with groceries and prescription pick-up, as well as filing for unemployment, applying for health insurance, applying for utility assistance, and more.

How is Lane County addressing at-risk populations?

LCPH will identify emerging at-risk populations or geographic locations and prioritize our response accordingly. Examples include essential workers, Latinx and people of color living in our county or under-served areas of Lane County with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

If you have ideas about groups who need outreach, please call our COVID-19 call center at (541) 682-1380 Monday-Friday with your ideas.