COVID-19 Isolation Duration for Positive Cases
If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate for a minimum of 5 days from symptom onset (or positive test if asymptomatic), and you can end isolation only when you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND your symptoms are improving, with strong consideration for extending to 10 days if symptoms persist or you remain test-positive. 1, 2
Standard Isolation Protocol
Minimum 5-Day Isolation Period:
- Begin counting from the day symptoms started or from your positive test date if you never developed symptoms 3, 1
- This 5-day minimum applies to all COVID-19 positive individuals regardless of symptom severity 1
Criteria to End Isolation After Day 5:
You must meet ALL of the following before ending isolation 1:
- Fever-free for at least 24 hours without using antipyretic medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 1, 2
- Symptoms are resolving or absent (not worsening) 1
- Ideally obtain a negative rapid antigen test before ending isolation 1
Extended Isolation Scenarios
- Symptoms persist beyond day 5
- Fever continues
- Rapid antigen testing remains positive
- You had moderate to severe illness
Important caveat: Most patients should plan for 10 days of isolation as the standard recommendation, with day 5 representing the earliest possible exit point only if all criteria are met 2
Special Populations Requiring Longer Isolation
Immunocompromised patients and those on immunosuppressive medications require individualized assessment and typically longer isolation periods - do not apply standard 5-10 day criteria to these patients 1, 2
Severely ill COVID-19 patients may shed virus beyond 10 days and require case-by-case determination of isolation duration 2
Post-hospitalization: After hospital discharge, confirmed cases should remain isolated for at least 2 weeks from the first positive test AND until a negative RT-PCR test is obtained 1, 2
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never end isolation before day 5 regardless of how quickly symptoms resolve 1
- Never use PCR testing to determine when to end isolation - PCR can remain positive for weeks after you're no longer contagious 1, 2
- Never end isolation based solely on symptom resolution without meeting the minimum time criterion and fever-free requirement 1
- Never apply standard criteria to immunocompromised patients without consulting their healthcare provider 1
Return to Normal Activities
After meeting the 10-day criterion plus 24-hour fever resolution and symptom improvement, you are unlikely to be infectious and can return to work and normal activities 1, 2
Masking After Isolation Ends
Continue wearing a well-fitting mask around others through day 10 from symptom onset, even after isolation ends at day 5 1