The canceling of quarantine requirements for those who live with confirmed COVID-19 cases and have received three shots of the vaccine was announced May 16 by the Cabinet-level Central Epidemic Command Center, spotlighting the government’s focus on returning to normality.
Taking effect May 17, household contacts who have received the booster will no longer have to quarantine but are still required to monitor their health for seven days, the CECC said. During this period, they are allowed to go to work and purchase daily necessities as long as they have received a negative rapid test result within the past 48 hours, the center added.
According to the CECC, household contacts who have not yet received a third vaccine dose will still have to follow the 3+4 protocol, which involves quarantining at home for three days followed by four days of monitoring their health.
During the health monitoring period, contacts should wear masks and observe social distancing rules, the CECC said, adding that activities such as dining at restaurants, eating outside with other people, attending large-scale events or visiting crowded places are forbidden.
Following the new measure, the CECC said in a statement issued later the same day that people may choose to follow the previous 3+4 quarantine plan even if they have received a third vaccine shot. The new plan will apply to junior and senior high school students after they are eligible to take the booster at the end of May.
The government will focus on maintaining public health capacity while urging the public to proactively follow relevant guidelines to protect themselves and others, the CECC added. (YCH-E)
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