From the Guidelines
You can stop wearing a mask after testing positive for COVID-19 when you've completed at least 5 full days of isolation, your symptoms are improving, and you've been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications, and then continue wearing a high-quality mask around others for an additional 5 days to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others. According to the CDC guidelines mentioned in the study 1, it is essential to follow the self-isolation period to prevent clinical deterioration and minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to others. The study 1 also suggests strategies to minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including training in isolation, participating in socially-distanced outdoor training, training with a face mask in a well-ventilated facility with appropriate social distancing, and participating in group training after a single negative NAAT or 2 negative rapid antigen tests 24-48 hours apart. Some key points to consider when deciding to stop wearing a mask after testing positive for COVID-19 include:
- Completing the recommended isolation period
- Ensuring symptoms are improving
- Being fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications
- Continuing to wear a high-quality mask around others for an additional 5 days to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others
- Consulting a healthcare provider if you had moderate illness, severe illness, or have a weakened immune system, as you may need to isolate for at least 10 days. It's crucial to prioritize these guidelines to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others and to ensure a safe return to normal activities.
From the Research
Guidelines for Removing Masks After Testing Positive for COVID-19
- The decision to stop wearing a mask after testing positive for COVID-19 depends on several factors, including the duration of infectiousness, symptom resolution, and test results 2.
- According to a study published in 2022, individuals with COVID-19 can end isolation after 5-9 days if symptoms are resolving or absent, fever has been absent for ≥24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and a rapid antigen test result is negative 2.
- However, it is recommended that individuals continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others for 10 days after infection, as they may still be infectious to others 2.
- The effectiveness of masks in preventing COVID-19 infection has been studied, and it is found that masks can reduce the transmission of the virus 3, 4.
- A study published in 2021 found that exposure to public health messaging and personal experience can increase the likelihood of wearing a mask, particularly among individuals who know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 5.
- Another study published in 2022 found that mask wearing is associated with COVID-19 testing and willingness to get vaccinated, and that encouraging protective measures among certain groups, such as younger adults and those with less education, may be critical to reducing transmission 6.
Key Considerations
- Duration of infectiousness: Individuals with COVID-19 may be infectious to others for up to 10 days after infection 2.
- Symptom resolution: Individuals can end isolation after 5-9 days if symptoms are resolving or absent, and fever has been absent for ≥24 hours without fever-reducing medications 2.
- Test results: A negative rapid antigen test result can indicate that an individual is no longer infectious 2.
- Mask effectiveness: Masks can reduce the transmission of COVID-19, and individuals should continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others for 10 days after infection 2, 3, 4.