COVID-19 Quarantine Duration Recommendations
The recommended quarantine period for individuals exposed to COVID-19 is 14 days from the last contact with an infected person or suspicious environmental exposure. 1, 2
Quarantine Guidelines for Exposed Individuals
Standard Quarantine Protocol
- A 14-day quarantine period is strongly recommended for close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases 1
- This period starts from the last day of contact with the infected person or suspicious environmental exposure 1
- During quarantine, individuals should monitor for symptoms, especially fever, respiratory symptoms, and diarrhea 1
Alternative Shortened Quarantine Options
While 14 days remains the safest option, the CDC offers alternative options to improve compliance:
- 10-day option: Quarantine can end after 10 days without testing if no symptoms develop (carries approximately 7% risk of post-quarantine transmission) 2
- 7-day option: Quarantine can end after 7 days with a negative test result obtained within 48 hours before the planned end of quarantine (carries approximately 19% risk of post-quarantine transmission) 2
Special Considerations
High-Risk Settings
- Stricter adherence to the full 14-day quarantine is required in long-term care facilities and other congregate settings 2
- Healthcare settings may require more stringent measures, especially for staff caring for high-risk patients 2
Scientific Rationale
- Studies show that 95% of symptomatic cases develop symptoms by 13.7 days after exposure 3
- The median incubation period is approximately 5.1-5.4 days, but can extend up to 15 days 4, 3, 5
- Among household contacts, 86% of positive cases are detected within 10 days of exposure 6
- Even with negative testing, there remains a risk of transmission with shortened quarantine periods 6, 7
Recommendations During Quarantine
- Wear N95 masks (priority) or disposable surgical masks (alternative) when seeking medical attention 1
- Avoid public transportation; use ambulance or private vehicle with windows open for ventilation if medical care is needed 1
- Maintain at least 1 meter distance from others 1
- Immediately seek medical attention if symptoms develop 1
- Continue monitoring for symptoms for the full 14 days even if using a shortened quarantine option 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Premature quarantine termination: Even with negative testing, there remains a risk of developing infection later in the quarantine period
- Confusing quarantine with isolation: Quarantine is for exposed individuals; isolation is for confirmed cases
- Inadequate symptom monitoring: Symptoms may develop suddenly and require immediate medical attention
- Relying solely on testing: A single negative test does not rule out infection in high-risk exposures
- Poor adherence: Reduced effectiveness of quarantine measures due to non-compliance
The 14-day quarantine period represents the safest approach based on our understanding of the COVID-19 incubation period, though shorter options with testing may be considered in specific circumstances where adherence to the full period is challenging.