This training will focus primarily on LBOH isolation and quarantine measures and will also include information about other measures to control infectious diseases (i.e., social distancing, vaccination, prophylaxis, closure of an establishment, personal and environmental hygiene, and education).

Isolation, quarantine, and social distancing are three different, but related, public health measures that are used to stop or minimize the spread of disease. These measures are part of a larger public health infectious disease surveillance system. When an infected person, small group of people, or an outbreak is identified by a laboratory or health care provider, it is then reported to the state health department or local board of health (LBOH). An epidemiological investigation will determine which public health measures should be implemented.

What you’ll learn

After completing this training, you will be able to:

• Distinguish among isolation, quarantine, and social distancing
• Summarize historical public health events that led to the creation of our current public health laws and practices
• List the requirements of 105 CMR 300.000 for infectious diseases investigated by LBOH
• Explain how to obtain voluntary compliance with isolation and quarantine requirements
• Describe the administrative process required for LBOH to implement isolation and quarantine with noncompliant individuals