CDC redefines COVID-19 'close contact' guidelines to mean coming within six feet of someone for a total of 15 minutes over a 24 HOUR period

 US health officials Wednesday redefined what counts as close contact with someone with COVID-19 to include briefer but repeated encounters.

For months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said close contact meant spending a solid 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for coronavirus. 

On Wednesday, the CDC changed it to a total of 15 minutes or more - so shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count.

The definition change was triggered by a case study of a 20-year-old corrections guard in Vermont, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, after a series of short  interactions totalling 17 minutes with six inmates who later tested positive. 

The CDC now advises anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for two weeks.

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CDC now includes a series of brief encounters that add up to 15 minutes spent with an covid-positive person as 'close contact.' The change was triggered by a case study of a Vermont guard  whose several brief encounters with prisoners  infected them, despite the fact that  the guard wore a mask and goggles like those worn by this health worker (file) 

The change may prompt health departments to do contact tracing in cases where an exposure might previously have been considered too brief, said Dr William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.

It's also serves notice that the coronavirus can spread more easily than many people realize, he added.

The definition change was triggered by a study of a 20-year-old Vermont correctional officer, who was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in August. 

The guard, who wore a mask and goggles, had multiple brief encounters with six transferred prisoners before test results showed they were positive. 

At times, the prisoners wore masks, but there were encounters in cell doorways or in a recreational room where prisoners did not have them on, the report said.

An investigation that reviewed video footage concluded the guard's brief interactions totaled 17 minutes during an 8-hour shift.

In a statement, CDC officials said the case highlights again the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission.