Quarantine & Isolation

Isolate If You Test Positive for COVID-19

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 and/or displays COVID-19 symptoms (without an alternate diagnosis or negative COVID-19 test) should isolate regardless of vaccination status:

• Isolate at home for the first five days (starting with the day after symptoms began or day after test was taken for those without symptoms)
• If symptoms have improved or no symptoms developed, return to normal activities, while wearing a well-fitted mask, for the next five days to protect others
• If individual has a fever, stay home until fever free for a period of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to normal activities while wearing a well-fitted mask, until the 10-day period is complete

OR

• Isolate at home for 10 days if unwilling/unable to wear a mask

Notification of Contacts

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should also notify others whom they had contact with during the time they were contagious (beginning two days before symptoms started or testing positive if no symptoms are present)
• Prioritize notification of individuals who are personal/household contacts and immunocompromised or high-risk individuals
• Individuals would then follow the below guidance on Quarantine

Quarantine If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

Quarantine guidance may be adjusted to respond to and control outbreaks within unique settings as needed. Local leaders and individuals should work with their local health departments for outbreak response and follow additional quarantine recommendations as situations dictate to maintain a safer environment for community members.

If you are exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 and is a personal/household contact:

• Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days
• Test at least one time if possible three to seven days after exposure and if symptoms develop
• Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others (home quarantine is an alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to mask)
• Avoid unmasked activities or activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals for 10 days from the date of last exposure

If you are exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 and is another type of contact (from a community, social or work setting):

• Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days
• Test if symptoms develop
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others. At a minimum, wear a mask in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals