Definitions
Medical Isolation
Medical isolation refers to confining a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case. Ideally, to a single cell with solid walls and a solid door that closes, to prevent contact with others and to reduce the risk of transmission. Medical isolation ends when the individual meets pre-established clinical and/or testing criteria for release from isolation, in consultation with clinical providers and public health officials. In this context, isolation does NOT refer to punitive isolation for behavioral infractions within the custodial setting.
Quarantine
Quarantine refers to confining individuals who have had close contact with a COVID-19 case to determine whether they develop symptoms of the disease. Quarantine for COVID-19 lasts for a period of 14 days. Ideally, each quarantined individual would be quarantined in a single cell with solid walls and a solid door that closes. If symptoms develop during the 14-day period, the AIC will be placed under medical isolation and evaluated for COVID-19. If symptoms do not develop, movement restrictions can be lifted, and the individual can return to their previous residency status within the facility.
Transmission of Risk Status
The Department of Corrections (DOC) will no longer categorize institutions by Tiers 1-4. We will categorize the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our facilities by GREEN, YELLOW, and RED status. Institution status will determine the preventive strategies, or enhanced preventive strategies, to be implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The new statuses are briefly explained as follows:
- GREEN – defines no active cases of COVID-19 within an correctional facility. Green status allows facilities to initiate and continue modification of enhanced COVID-19 prevention strategies.
- YELLOW – defined by an active case, reduced transmission within a correctional facility, or a COVID-19 Community Level of medium or high in the community in which the facility is located (including when there are no active cases of COVID-19 within the facility). Yellow status requires institutions to consult on which enhanced prevention strategies can be continued to be modified.
- RED – defines active transmission within a correctional facility. Red status requires active management and mitigation by enhanced COVID-19 prevention strategies based upon consultation.