Isolation and Exposure Guidelines

If you have COVID-19

If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others. Isolation is used to separate people with COVID-19 from those without COVID-19 to keep from spreading the virus.

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.

End isolation based on how serious your COVID-19 symptoms were. Click here for more specific guidance about ending isolation.

You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.


If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19

If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should wear a mask when you’re around other people for 10 full days after your last exposure.

You could develop COVID-19 during those 10 days and you could spread the virus, so the mask will help protect the people around you from exposure.

You should also watch for symptoms of COVID-19 during those 10 days, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms, you should isolate immediately and get tested.

Visit the CDC website for an interactive tool with isolation recommendations.