Buzz
The CDC has updated its guidelines, now defining repeated short interactions with the same individual as close contact. Previously, close contact required being within six feet of someone for a continuous 15-minute period. The new definition acknowledges that, based on recent studies, cumulative interactions totaling 15 minutes over a day, even if brief, qualify as close contact.
The current official definition is as follows:
An individual who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a combined total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before symptoms appear (or, for asymptomatic individuals, 2 days before testing) until the patient is isolated.
The asterisk directs to a footnote that exceeds the definition in length, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty about how the coronavirus operates. While the CDC states the definition provides a solid guideline, it also notes numerous other factors could influence risk. For instance, exposure to someone with active symptoms, closer proximity, or activities like shouting or singing may increase the likelihood of transmission.
The effectiveness of masks remains unclear, and in daily interactions, it’s easy to overlook whether masks are worn correctly. You might recall someone wearing a mask, but it could have been ill-fitting, damp, or made from a material that allows droplets to pass through. These uncertainties are why masks aren’t included in the “close contact” definition, despite their likely significant protective benefits.
Definitions of close contact can vary across organizations. For example, Gothamist notes that New York City uses a 10-minute threshold instead of the CDC’s 15-minute benchmark. The key takeaway from the CDC’s update is that evidence now supports the idea that shorter, repeated interactions can collectively pose a risk.
