“In the early days of the pandemic, it was recommended to isolate for 10 days after having a positive COVID test. And then a few years ago, the CDC changed its recommendation: you could come out of isolation five days after receiving a positive test and wear a mask for the additional five days.”
You should isolate for at least 5 days counting from the day you began feeling sick (Day 0 is the day you began feeling sick; Day 1 is the next day). If you have no symptoms, then isolate for 5 full days after the day you tested positive (Day 0 is the day you took your positive test; Day 1 is the day after).
Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test. You can still access testing if you have a health condition which means you're eligible for coronavirus treatments. To prevent the spread of infection, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you're unwell.
Updated Guidance: The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
While people become less contagious over time, they are still contagious with COVID for an average of eight days. That may vary depending on factors including underlying health conditions and the severity of illness.
CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
When you are sick: Use precautions to prevent spread, including staying home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory symptoms. Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
While people become less contagious over time, they are still contagious with COVID for an average of eight days. That may vary depending on factors including underlying health conditions and the severity of illness.
In ance with guidance from the CDC, if you test positive for COVID-19 you should: Isolate for 5 days regardless of vaccination status. Only leave isolation after 5 days if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are improving, including at least 24 hours without a fever.
Stay in self-quarantine for 10 days after your last exposure (unless you are fully vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past and meet all criteria noted in the section above). Check daily for symptoms, wash hands, always wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from others for 14 days.