CDC updates, shortens recommended isolation and quarantine guidelines

The highly infectious Omicron variant has now been detected in most states, including Kentucky, and the Centers for Disease Control “expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.”

Updated CDC Recommendations

As we continue to adapt to the changing virus and maintain a safe work environment, we encourage all Kentucky Court of Justice personnel to follow these updated CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine periods:

Tested Positive and Asymptomatic or Symptoms are Resolving (without fever for 24 hours)
Isolate for 5 days, then wear a mask for 5 days (regardless of whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated).

Close Contact/Exposure and Unvaccinated or Unboosted (more than 6 month since fully vaccinated)
Quarantine for 5 days, then if asymptomatic, wear mask for 5 days. Testing recommended on day 5 after exposure.

Close Contact/Exposure and Fully Vaccinated (within 6 months of 2nd shot) or Boosted
Wear mask for 10 days. Testing recommended on day 5 after exposure and monitor for symptoms.

Please note that your appointing authority may require a negative COVID test before you are authorized to return to work in person, per Section C.11. of Supreme Court Administrative Order 2021-32.

Isolation vs. Quarantine

The CDC explains the difference between isolation and quarantine as:

Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Follow Mask Guidelines

Please continue to monitor your county’s status on the Kentucky COVID-19 map (Dec. 29 version below) and take the necessary precautions. Several court facilities are mandating the use of masks among all individuals to limit exposure. We encourage judges, circuit court clerks and appointing authorities to consider a mask mandate if conditions in your county warrant it. Employees at the AOC building on Vandalay Drive in Frankfort are required to wear masks in common areas and when outside their assigned workstations.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health offers additional guidance here. Please email questions about court protocols to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..