By Diego A. Sanchez, CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST

Sponsord by:  Florida Chamber Safety Council

The Center for Decease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the term ‘Close Contact’ as it relates to COVID-19. Updated October 21, 2020, ‘Close contact’ now means 15 total minutes of exposure to an infected person at a distance of 6 feet or less over a 24-hour period. For example, three five-minute periods within 24 hours meet the new definition. Previously, close contact was considered 15 consecutive minutes of exposure at 6 feet or less in 24 hours.

The CDC also refers to some factors that need to be considered regarding close contact with people infected with COVID-19.

  • Proximity – closer distance likely increases exposure risk
  • Duration of exposure – longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk
  • Presence of symptoms – the period around the onset of symptoms is associated with the highest levels of viral shedding
  • Likelihood of respiratory aerosols (e.g., coughing, singing, shouting)
  • Other environmental factors (e.g., crowding, adequacy of ventilation)
  • Whether exposure was indoors or outdoors

It is crucial to remember that this new definition does not take wearing a mask into consideration; in other words, wearing a face-covering or an N95 respirator does not influence or modifies the definition of the term ‘Close Contact.’

Wearing a face mask complements social distancing, meaning that we must wear a mask and stay apart from other people at least 6 feet. This new updated definition of the term ‘Close Contact’ changes how exposure is viewed; now, we must be aware of how timing plays a role in potential exposure to COVID-19.

Stay safe, wear a mask, maintain proper social distancing (6 feet or more) and practice hand hygiene frequently.