If their test is positive, the person with COVID should continue to isolate for at least five days after the onset of their symptoms. Individuals who are asymptomatic and test positive should isolate for at least five days from the date of the positive test.
“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.”
If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Stay home for at least five days. Stay home for five days and isolate from others in your home. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home.
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).
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.
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.
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19. Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others.
If possible, do everything you can to avoid using the same rooms and restrooms as the person who has tested positive. That may mean isolating them to a single room or section of your home, leaving their meals at their door and communicating over the phone.
If your COVID-19 test is positive Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. Monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately. Seek health care right away for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: Stay home for at least five days. Stay home for five days and isolate from others in your home. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home.