If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must isolate. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND. You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
I have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test. You should stay at home and self-isolate until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea) and you do not have a fever, even if a repeated test is negative.
Consider staying away from people at high risk of getting very sick until: 10 days have passed since your symptoms started, 10 days have passed since you tested positive (if you never developed symptoms), or. You test negative for COVID-19 with an antigen test (such as an at-home test)
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).
Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 to Others Stay home unless you need medical care. Don't go to work or school and avoid public places like stores. Stay away from others. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Call your close contacts.
“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 test positive, call your health care provider to ask about treatment options. If you do not have a health care provider, call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) or visit NYC Health + Hospitals ExpressCare.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must isolate. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND. You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).