Reporter Lee Han-hyungWith the outbreak of omicron mutations, it is no longer unusual to get COVID-19 at any time. As the corona infection spreads within the workplace, the number of cases in which offices are temporarily closed has increased. There are also cases of re-infection in which a person who has been infected once is re-infected.
If there is a colleague of a confirmed patient next to you, whether or not you should self-quarantine unconditionally, and if so, how long you need to do it depends on the situation. The first thing that matters is how close you are and how long you’ve been talking. Wearing a mask and completing vaccinations are also variables.
Q: If a colleague next to me is confirmed, should I unconditionally self-quarantine?
A: Not really. There is no need to quarantine unless you are in close contact with the government. In other words, only close contacts are to self-quarantine.
Even if you are vaccinated, you are exempt from self-quarantine. Within 90 days of the second vaccination or the third vaccination. Those exempt from quarantine should carry out their daily activities for 7 days, but if they suspect respiratory symptoms such as fever, they must undergo testing.
Q: Then how close does it have to be for close contact?
A: The standard set by the government is ‘the level of contact at the level of conversation for more than 15 minutes within 2 meters of those who do not wear masks properly’. Wearing a mask or talking for less than 15 minutes is not close contact.
Q: Is there a set standard for masks?
A: The quarantine authorities recommend wearing a KF-94 grade mask to block the Omicron mutant virus. Although low-grade masks such as KF-80 and KF-AD can be worn, this is because KF-94 has a high antiviral effect.
Q: How long should I self-quarantine if I come into close contact because I am not wearing a mask and not vaccinated?
A: The self-quarantine period is 7 days, and you must undergo PCR testing on the 6th to 7th day of quarantine. 
Click or enlarge to see the original image.
