The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and in Onondaga County has caused a delay in the case investigation and contact tracing process. It is crucial to remind those who test positive to immediately isolate and notify their close contacts who may have been exposed.

To alleviate this problem and meet the needs of residents in isolation and quarantine, Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is now providing self-attestation forms in place of the Commissioner’s Orders that were previously sent by the case investigators and contact tracers. These new forms are legal documentation and may be used for release from isolation or quarantine, and for New York Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims.

Attestation Forms
Affirmation of Isolation
Affirmation of Quarantine

Know the Difference Between Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation keeps someone who is infected with COVID-19 away from others.
Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

The isolation period is typically ten days from symptom onset OR from the date of the positive test if you are asymptomatic. Some employers may allow fully vaccinated, asymptomatic essential workers to return to work after 5 days if they meet certain criteria.

The quarantine period is typically ten days following the last day of exposure as long as you have remained symptom-free. Quarantine may end after day seven if you test negative five days from exposure.

For more detailed information please visit https://covid19.ongov.net/isolation-quarantine/.

These changes will be addressed at the County Executive’s next press briefing tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 4.