I am COVID-19 positive; what are the current isolation guidelines?

Current COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines

If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset (or from your positive test if asymptomatic), and you can end isolation when you've been fever-free for 24 hours without medications, your symptoms are improving, and ideally after a negative rapid antigen test. 1

Minimum Isolation Period

• Isolate for a minimum of 5 days from the day your symptoms started or from the day you tested positive if you have no symptoms 2, 1
• The 5-day period is based on current CDC guidelines that balance transmission risk with practical adherence 2

Criteria to End Isolation After 5 Days

You can end isolation after 5 days if ALL of the following are met:

• Fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 1
• Your symptoms are resolving or absent 1
• Ideally, you have a negative rapid antigen test 1

Extended Isolation (Up to 10 Days)

Continue isolating beyond 5 days if:

• Your symptoms persist or worsen 1
• You continue to have a fever 1
• Your rapid antigen test remains positive 1
• Research shows that 54% of people still test positive on antigen tests between days 5-9, with declining positivity over time 3

During Isolation: What You Must Do

Physical isolation requirements:

• Stay in a well-ventilated single room if possible, with the door closed 1, 4
• If a single room isn't available, maintain at least 1 meter (approximately 3 feet) distance from others 1, 4
• Restrict all activities to minimize contact with others 1, 4

Masking and hygiene:

• Wear an N95 mask (preferred) or surgical mask when around others, including household members 1, 4
• Clean your hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces 1, 4
• Avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes, towels, dishes, and bed linens 1

Monitoring:

• Check your temperature and monitor symptoms daily 1, 4
• Seek immediate medical attention if: your temperature exceeds 100.4°F (38°C) persistently, breathing worsens, you develop shortness of breath, or signs of pneumonia appear 1, 4

After Ending Isolation (Days 6-10)

• Continue wearing a well-fitting mask around others through day 10 after symptom onset or positive test 3
• You may still be infectious during this period, even if symptoms have resolved 3

For Household Members and Caregivers

If you live with someone who has COVID-19:

• Caregivers should be healthy individuals without underlying medical conditions when possible 1, 4
• Wear an N95 mask (preferred) or surgical mask when in the same room as the infected person 1, 4
• Monitor your own temperature and symptoms closely 1, 4
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily using 500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant 1
• Avoid direct contact with the patient's respiratory secretions 1

Testing Considerations

Rapid antigen testing:

• A negative rapid antigen test can help guide the decision to end isolation after day 5 1
• Antigen tests are most accurate within 5 days of symptom onset 1
• A positive antigen test has high specificity and doesn't need confirmation 1
• Research shows antigen test positivity correlates with infectiousness 3

Important caveat: You are more likely to test positive on days 5-9 if you have symptomatic infection, haven't been vaccinated, or haven't had prior COVID-19 infection 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't count day 0 incorrectly: Day 0 is the day symptoms started or the day of your positive test (if asymptomatic), not the day before 2
• Don't use fever-reducing medications to artificially meet the fever-free requirement – you must be fever-free without these medications 1
• Don't assume you're not infectious after 5 days just because you feel better – continue masking through day 10 3
• Don't use public transportation when seeking medical care – use a private vehicle with windows open or an ambulance 1

Special Considerations for Athletes and Return to Exercise

If you're an athlete or regularly engage in intense exercise:

• For asymptomatic COVID-19: Resume training after 3 days of exercise abstinence during self-isolation 2
• For mild non-cardiopulmonary symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches): Resume training after symptom resolution 2
• For cardiopulmonary symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, lightheadedness): Get cardiac evaluation before resuming intense exercise 2
• Use a graded return-to-exercise program rather than immediately resuming full intensity 2