How long do I need to isolate after testing positive?
Regardless of vaccination status, the CDC recommends that all persons testing positive for COVID-19 isolate (the period away from others after testing positive) for at least 5 days. That number may change depending on whether you develop symptoms. See below to help calculate your isolation period. Positive family members or individuals living in shared spaces should isolate away from negative housemates to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in the household. Extra precautions should be taken through day 10 after your positive test result, such as wearing a mask inside your home and in public, avoiding gathering with people who are high risk, and avoiding travel.
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
Yes, I am currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
+ –If you are currently experiencing symptoms, you may end isolation once you have gone 5 full days without a fever (without fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving. Count your first fever-free day as Day 0 and complete your isolation through the end of Day 5. If your symptoms reappear during this time, continue to isolate until you can repeat this process.
No, I am not currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
+ –If you are not currently experiencing symptoms or if you have not had a fever for 5 full days (without fever-reducing medication), you may end isolation after 5 days. To calculate these days, count Day 0 as the day your test was performed and continue your isolation through Day 5. If your symptoms reappear during this time, continue to isolate until you can repeat this process.
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