CDC COVID Isolation Recommendations

Staying up to date on isolation guidelines helps protect you and others from spreading COVID-19. Below is an overview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current recommendations for isolating after a positive test or known exposure. Always look out for serious symptoms and speak to a doctor if you’re ever concerned about your health.

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Who Needs to Isolate

1. Positive test
   – You tested positive for COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
2. Symptoms develop
   – You have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, etc.).
3. Close contact
   – You were in close contact (within 6 feet for ≥15 minutes) with someone with COVID-19 and are not up to date on vaccinations.

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How Long to Isolate

1. People with Mild to Moderate Illness

These recommendations apply if you have symptoms but aren’t severely sick or immunocompromised.

• Day 0
  Day of symptom onset.
• Days 1–5
  Stay home and isolate from others.
  – You may begin to feel better after day 5, but you can still spread virus.
• Days 6–10
  You may end isolation after day 5 if:
  • Your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication,
  • Other symptoms are improving (except loss of taste or smell, which may linger).
    During days 6–10, wear a well-fitting mask whenever you’re around people.

2. Asymptomatic People (No Symptoms)

If you never develop symptoms:

• Isolate for 5 days after your positive test (Day 0 = day you were tested).
• If you remain symptom‐free, you can end isolation after day 5 but must wear a mask through day 10.

3. People with Severe Illness or Weakened Immune Systems

If you were hospitalized, had severe illness, or have a weakened immune system:

• You may need to isolate up to 10 days or longer.
• Your healthcare provider can help decide when it’s safe to stop isolating.

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Returning to Daily Activities

Even after isolation ends, continue to protect others:

• Masking
  Wear a well-fitting mask around others through day 10.
• Avoid high-risk settings
  Stay away from nursing homes or people who are immunocompromised until at least day 11.
• Monitor symptoms
  If you develop a fever or your symptoms worsen, restart isolation and talk to your doctor.

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Test‐Based Strategy (Optional)

The CDC no longer requires negative tests to end isolation for most people. However, if you choose a test‐based strategy:

• Obtain two negative rapid antigen tests at least 48 hours apart, with the first test no sooner than day 5.
• If both tests are negative, you may end isolation but still mask through day 10.

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Tips for a Safe Isolation

• Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible.
• Ventilate: Open windows or use air filters.
• Clean often: Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.
• Mask up: Have others wear masks if they must be in your space.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a healthcare provider or call 911 if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion or inability to wake up
• Bluish lips or face

If you have any serious or life‐threatening concerns, speak to a doctor right away.

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Check Your Symptoms Online

Not sure if you have COVID-19 or need further guidance? Consider doing a free, online symptom check for COVID-19 to help decide your next steps.

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By following these CDC guidelines—isolating at least 5 days, masking through day 10, and monitoring your health—you help protect your community and yourself. Stay informed, stay safe, and always reach out to a medical professional if you have serious symptoms or questions about your health.