“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.”
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over. avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test.
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.
Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.
Taking Care of Yourself at Home Contact your healthcare provider. Tell them you tested positive for COVID-19 and are home recovering. Take it easy. Rest up and stay hydrated. Monitor your symptoms. Report worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
If you test positive, you are strongly encouraged to isolate (stay home and away from other people) for at least 5 full days, to prevent spreading the disease to others. Isolation is recommended even if you have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 before.
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).
That said, you are contagious with COVID for an average of eight days (although this varies based upon the severity of illness) and you should take precautions to prevent others from getting it during this time frame.
If you are experiencing symptoms or were exposed, get tested. If you test positive, stay home and talk to your healthcare provider about treatment.
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.