COVID-19 Booster Doses Updates CDC announced updated guidance for third doses and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. For the latest guidance, please see CDC’s page on Booster Doses. Thank you for your patience while we update our online systems.
Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidance CDC has updated quarantine and isolation guidance for the public and for healthcare personnel. Rhode Island has updated its guidance to align with CDC. For updated quarantine and isolation guidance for the general public, please see this chart and answers to these frequently asked questions. Please note that separate guidance is being developed for the PreK-12 sector. For updated quarantine and isolation guidance for healthcare workers in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities who have been exposed to or who have tested positive for COVID-19, please see this chart.
Protect Your Household from COVID-19 The current data tell us that the Omicron variant is highly contagious.Currently, most COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island are caused by the Omicron variant. Let’s do all we can to prevent the spread. COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact with someone who is infected. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. The best ways to prevent illness and death are to get vaccinated and avoid being exposed to the virus. How to Stay Safe with Rising COVID-19 Cases Got COVID-19 Symptoms? Here’s What to Do You’re up to date on your vaccinations if: You are age 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters, OR; You are age 5 to 17 years old and have completed the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine AND; More than 14 days have passed since the final dose Follow this guidance to protect your household and lower the chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. Whether or not you’re vaccinated You're still required to wear a mask: If a business, private school, camp, healthcare setting, or other entity requires it In public K-12 schools On public transportation like planes, buses, and trains When providing or using paid ground transportation services In transportation hubs like airports and stations In enclosed or semi-enclosed transit stops and waiting areas If working in a healthcare setting where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated When required by other state and federal laws and regulations Learn more about current masking requirements in our Rhode Island Masking FAQ. If you travel outside the US and US territories, learn what’s required on our travel page. Watch for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate at home, call your healthcare provider, and get a COVID-19 test. Get treatment if you’re eligible. If you’ve tested positive, ask your doctor right away about MABS. If you have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about your activities. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you may need to keep protecting yourself from COVID-19 by following the unvaccinated guidance below. If you’re not fully vaccinated Get vaccinated. You may get vaccinated if you’re 5 or older. Setting up an appointment is quick and easy. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective against serious illness, and reduce the risk of infecting others. Vaccination helps protect against COVID-19 variants by reducing their spread. Sign up for a free test at portal.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-8022. Wear a mask and watch your distance indoors near anyone you don’t live with. Continue to take it outside. Open windows and doors to increase air flow when you’re indoors near people you don’t live with. Stay home and apart from others if you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are in quarantine or isolation. Learn more at covid.ri.gov/whattodo. Remember the three Ws! Wear a mask indoors that’s at least two layers thick and fits snugly but comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin without any gaps. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or carry and use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol. Watch your distance by staying at least three feet apart indoors from people you don’t live with. If you’re fully vaccinated RIDOH supports the CDC recommendation to wear a mask indoors near anyone you don’t live with when community spread is substantial or high. If you don’t have symptoms but have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you don’t need to quarantine but you must: Get tested 5 days after exposure Wear a mask for 10 days Monitor for symptoms for 10 days after exposure How will I feel after I get my COVID-19 vaccine? You may experience some symptoms after vaccination. This is normal and these symptoms should go away quickly. Wear the right mask Wear a mask that protects you and your household. Let's talk about transmission of respiratory infectious diseases Learn about contact tracing Contact tracing is an important part of slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Learn how contact tracing works and what you need to do. Also review the latest quarantine and isolation guidance. Wondering if YOU should be tested for COVID-19?
