“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.”
Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 to Others If you have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, you should stay home and away from others to help prevent others from becoming sick. Stay home unless you need medical care. Don't go to work or school and avoid public places like stores. Stay away from others.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you can pass on the virus to other people. You need to: stay at home for 5 days.
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.
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).
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.
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 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.