This is good news, sort of. I recently had to quarantine after being diagnosed with COVID-19, but before I was diagnosed, I was already in quarantine after my roommate tested positive days before.

At that time, I was told to quarantine for 14 days if I didn't develop any symptoms. The same day that my roommate got his positive test results, is the day I started getting symptoms myself, so my quarantine time changed.

Here's the good news. The Gallatin City County Health Department recently updated quarantine requirements, and now people that are in close contact with a person that tests positive for COVID-19 only have to quarantine 10 days, instead of the previous 14 day requirement.

The health department has been working with state and local partners to update quarantine guidelines as it applies to Gallatin County's unique situation.

The 10-day quarantine period in Gallatin County is for close contacts who DO NOT develop COVID-19 symptoms. The update went into effect December 4.

Even after the 10-day quarantine period the health department says close contacts should still watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If you do develop symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact the Gallatin County COVID-19 call center or your healthcare provider.

Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet from others, washing your hands frequently,  and avoiding crowds are steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community

The Gallatin County COVID-19 call center is a great local resource if you have any questions regarding COVID-19. Throughout my personal experience, I was able to get answers to the many questions that I had.

If you have questions, you can call the COVID-19 Call Center at 406-548-0123 or email callcenter@readygallatin.com.

Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic:

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