What you need to know
- Current CDC guidelines recommend that people who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for five days.
- The isolation period starts at the onset of symptoms or, if you do not have symptoms, on the date when you tested positive.
- If you are sick with COVID-19, you can infect others for five to 12 days, but some people may remain infectious beyond 20 days.
Last week, the Washington Post reported that the CDC may loosen its COVID-19 isolation guidelines this spring. As tolerance for COVID-19 public health measures has dropped, some experts believe that “meeting people where they are” with shorter isolation periods will encourage infected individuals to take at least some precautions. Others are concerned that this potential change in guidelines will lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases, which puts everyone—especially immunocompromised people—at risk.
The new guidelines haven’t been confirmed, and for now, the recommended five-day isolation period is still in effect. Read on to learn more about the current COVID-19 isolation guidelines.
How long should I isolate if I test positive for COVID-19?
Current CDC guidelines recommend that, if you test positive for COVID-19, you isolate for five days from the onset of symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, you should isolate for five days from the test date.
During your five-day isolation period, wear a high-quality mask around others, avoid travel, improve ventilation in your home, and use a separate bathroom and personal items from others in your household.
If your symptoms do not improve within five days, the CDC says you should continue to isolate until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving.
If you’re sick with COVID-19, you’re likely contagious for five to 12 days, but some people may remain infectious beyond 20 days.
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?
If you know you were exposed to the COVID-19 virus, the CDC recommends wearing a high-quality mask around others for 10 days after exposure and watching for symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms, get tested as soon as possible and isolate until you get your result.
How can I get tested for COVID-19?
You can get tested for COVID-19 at a doctor’s office or at home. There are two types of tests to identify a current COVID-19 infection: PCR tests and antigen tests.
PCR tests are the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests, as these are the most accurate. You can get a PCR test from a health care provider. It may take up to three days to receive results.
Antigen tests are easily accessible rapid tests that produce results within 15 to 30 minutes. The CDC says positive antigen test results are very accurate and reliable. However, a negative test result does not rule out infection. Antigen tests are less likely to detect a COVID-19 infection than a PCR test from your health care provider, especially if you don’t have symptoms.
The FDA recommends taking two antigen tests 48 hours apart if you have symptoms or three antigen tests 48 hours apart if you do not have symptoms. You can order free COVID-19 antigen tests through the U.S. Postal Service or purchase them at your local drug store.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.