--- title: CDC Redefines COVID Close Contact; Now Includes Cumulative Exposure description: The CDC has redefined what constitutes COVID close contact and now includes cumulative exposures. See how the new definition calculates close contact. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/cdc%20redefines%20close%20contact%20covid%2019.webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [PEO Cost](https://www.axcethr.com/peo-cost/) - [Switching PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/switching-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [HR Outsource Options](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [PEO Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Workers' Comp. and Employee Safety Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [PEO Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com) - [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [Options to Outsource Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Complete List of Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/risk-management/) - [Payroll Administration](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Community Involvement](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/community-involvement/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![fuel-blog-logo](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fuel-blog-logo.png?width=310&height=97&name=fuel-blog-logo.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com) Filter Blog by Topic - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - [Payroll Administration](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/payroll-administration) - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) Play Audio CDC Redefines COVID Close Contact; Now Includes Cumulative Exposure 3:15 # CDC Redefines COVID Close Contact; Now Includes Cumulative Exposure By [Steve Donovan](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/steve-donovan) on [Nov 10, 2020](https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure) 2 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure) - [mailto:?subject=CDC%20Redefines%20COVID%20Close%20Contact;%20Now%20Includes%20Cumulative%20Exposure&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure](mailto:?subject=CDC%20Redefines%20COVID%20Close%20Contact;%20Now%20Includes%20Cumulative%20Exposure&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure) ![cdc redefines close contact covid 19](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cdc%20redefines%20close%20contact%20covid%2019.webp?width=840&name=cdc%20redefines%20close%20contact%20covid%2019.webp) As the world continues struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, we are learning more about the virus as health officials continue studying it. Up until recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended quarantining for 14 days and coronavirus testing if someone came into close contact with an individual who ended up having a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. The definition of close contact has recently been updated. **Previous CDC Definition of Close Contact** Until the recent announcement of the new COVID close contact definition, the CDC recommended quarantining for 14 days and coronavirus testing for people who had come into close contact with someone with COVID-19. The previous definition of close contact was being “within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.” That included direct physical contact such as kissing and hugging, sharing silverware or glasses while eating and drinking, caring for someone at home sick with COVID-19 and/or getting respiratory droplets on them from sneezing, coughing or other exhalations. [![Ask the Expert Randy Clayton](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/f239d35b-5b66-4c5d-8f26-9bd518312eeb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/f239d35b-5b66-4c5d-8f26-9bd518312eeb) **Updated Definition Includes Cumulative Exposure** On October 21, 2020, the CDC issued an updated definition of close contact with someone who has COVID-19 that requires quarantine. The new definition of close contact is being “within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.” This is further explained with examples, like five exposures of three minutes during a 24-hour period for a total exposure of 15 minutes. Legal experts like Eric Conn and Kara Maciel recommend that [employers review their COVID-19 control strategies](http://www.connmaciel.com/important-cdc-update-close-contact) with the new definition and update contact tracing questionnaires with the cumulative exposure periods included. Ask about multiple close contacts shorter than 15 minutes during any 24-hour time frame when asking about exposure. The CDC recommends determination of close contact should be made whether or not masks are worn. Conn and Maciel note that the new definition will impact staffing as it establishes a different threshold trigger for quarantining. It will require tallying multiple short-duration contacts over a time frame during a 24-hour period. They note that some states had already interpreted the close contact trigger as a cumulative period or had established a shorter duration trigger. **Noteworthy** It should be noted that the new definition of close contact was prompted by a study of contact tracing at a correctional facility. A correctional facility employee contracted the virus after having 22 interactions that totaled 17 minutes with infected individuals over an 8-hour work shift. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials [Chief Medical Officer Marcus Plescia notes](https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/10/21/926365995/cdc-reduces-consecutive-minutes-of-covid-19-exposure-needed-to-be-a-close-contac) the new definition of close contact should not cause “undue alarm” as it is based on only one case study. Additionally, he noted that “if infection after short interactions were widespread we would see much higher infection rates.” [![Resource Library: HR Expertise You Can Use](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/2ca67eba-9efc-42d0-a462-4ced9159e26a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/2ca67eba-9efc-42d0-a462-4ced9159e26a) [![Steve Donovan](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Steve-10.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Steve-10.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/steve-donovan) Written by #### [Steve Donovan](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/steve-donovan) Director of Risk Management Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/steve-donovan) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents #### [When There Are Workplace Conflicts Over COVID-19 Prevention Practices ![When There Are Workplace Conflicts Over COVID-19 Prevention Practices](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/covid%20workplace%20prevention%20policy%20conflicts.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/when-there-are-workplace-conflicts-over-covid-19-prevention-practices) #### [![Ask the HR Expert: Possible ADA Employee Accommodation](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Jeanette%20Coleman%20Blog%20Size%201000%20x%20667.png) Ask the HR Expert: Possible ADA Employee Accommodation](https://blog.axcethr.com/possible-employee-accommodation-ada-0) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Steve Donovan", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/steve-donovan" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-19T19:37:52.707Z", "datePublished" : "2020-11-10T15:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "CDC Redefines COVID Close Contact; Now Includes Cumulative Exposure", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/cdc%20redefines%20close%20contact%20covid%2019.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/cdc-redefines-covid-close-contact-now-includes-cumulative-exposure", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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Up until recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended quarantining for 14 days and coronavirus testing if someone came into close contact with an individual who ended up having a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. The definition of close contact has recently been updated. Previous CDC Definition of Close Contact Until the recent announcement of the new COVID close contact definition, the CDC recommended quarantining for 14 days and coronavirus testing for people who had come into close contact with someone with COVID-19. The previous definition of close contact was being “within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.” That included direct physical contact such as kissing and hugging, sharing silverware or glasses while eating and drinking, caring for someone at home sick with COVID-19 and/or getting respiratory droplets on them from sneezing, coughing or other exhalations. Updated Definition Includes Cumulative Exposure On October 21, 2020, the CDC issued an updated definition of close contact with someone who has COVID-19 that requires quarantine. The new definition of close contact is being “within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.” This is further explained with examples, like five exposures of three minutes during a 24-hour period for a total exposure of 15 minutes. Legal experts like Eric Conn and Kara Maciel recommend that employers review their COVID-19 control strategies with the new definition and update contact tracing questionnaires with the cumulative exposure periods included. Ask about multiple close contacts shorter than 15 minutes during any 24-hour time frame when asking about exposure. The CDC recommends determination of close contact should be made whether or not masks are worn. Conn and Maciel note that the new definition will impact staffing as it establishes a different threshold trigger for quarantining. It will require tallying multiple short-duration contacts over a time frame during a 24-hour period. They note that some states had already interpreted the close contact trigger as a cumulative period or had established a shorter duration trigger. Noteworthy It should be noted that the new definition of close contact was prompted by a study of contact tracing at a correctional facility. A correctional facility employee contracted the virus after having 22 interactions that totaled 17 minutes with infected individuals over an 8-hour work shift. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Chief Medical Officer Marcus Plescia notes the new definition of close contact should not cause “undue alarm” as it is based on only one case study. 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