Your Guide To Self-Isolation And Quarantine

Updated August 17, 2022.

As health authorities look to contain the spread of COVID-19, testing, isolation remains a central tool to controlling and ending the pandemic. And if you're a parent or caretaker of elderly parents, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed just at the thought of these measures. While these words may trigger sci-fi images of hazmat suits or cushioned solitary cells, the reality is far less terrifying. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of the current recommendations.

If you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or have been told by a public health authority or healthcare provider that you’ve been exposed, you do not need to quarantine, regardless of your vaccination status. Instead, all individuals who have been exposed to COVID should wear a well-fitting mask when around others for 10 days after exposure - with day 0 being the day of exposure. You should also be tested five days after the exposure and monitor for symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, you should isolate right away and test for COVID-19 (see “When to isolate” section below).

Isolation refers to separating those who are already sick from those around them that they might infect. Isolation provides individuals the opportunity to recover from the virus without spreading it to others.

Note: If you were tested through a program affiliated with your employer, school, or other organization, please continue to follow any isolation guidance communicated to you directly, as they may differ from the CDC recommendations outlined here. Please also follow any local, state or tribal guidance that is different from the CDC guidance below.

Patients who have symptoms and a positive test for COVID-19 should follow isolation guidelines based on the severity of illness:

Mild Illness:

• At least 5 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared. The first day of symptoms counts as “day 0”.

AND

• They have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication

AND

• They have no other symptoms, or their symptoms are mostly resolved.

This should be followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.

Moderate or Severe Illness

You may have moderate or severe illness if you have difficulty breathing or have been told by a healthcare provider that you may have pneumonia due to COVID-19. You may also have moderate or severe illness if your oxygen level drops below normal or you have an abnormal chest x-ray due to COVID-19. If you are unsure, please consult your healthcare provider.

Isolate until 10 days have passed since their symptoms first began. The first day of symptoms counts as “day 0”.

If you have severe symptoms, or if you have a weakened immune system, you should consult your healthcare provider before ending isolation.

Patients who have symptoms and have not yet been tested:

• Individuals should isolate as above until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
• Home antigen tests should be used according to the package instructions.
• Symptomatic individuals who receive a negative antigen test result should take one of the following steps to confirm that they are negative for COVID-19 before ending their isolation:
  • Re-test with another antigen test in 48 hours,

OR

• Test with a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) like PCR or LAMP

With a negative test, we still recommend considering avoiding others and wearing a mask until your symptoms have improved.

Patients without symptoms who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate until the following:

• At least five days have passed since they first tested positive. This should be followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.
• If they then develop symptoms after the positive test, they should isolate for 5 days from the test, or until they are fever free and symptoms are improved.

Antigen testing to end isolation between 5 and 10 days is a good way to find out if you are likely to infect others, especially if you have regular contact with someone who is at increased risk for severe disease if they develop COVID-19. In fact, many state and local health agencies require testing to end isolation after five days.

On the other hand, testing isn’t required by the CDC because most people who are feeling better aren’t contagious after 5 days, and masking is an effective tool that reduces transmission while giving you the ability to be around others sooner.

Recommendations for those who opt to test after the isolation period is over:

• If you have access to a COVID antigen test and prefer to end isolation based on a negative test, the CDC guidance is:
  • Take an antigen test after 5 days.
  • If it’s positive, continue isolation for another 5 days, or at least until 10 days have passed from your first day of symptoms.
  • If it’s negative, you can end isolation and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional 5 days when around other people.

Using a PCR or other NAAT test to end isolation or to recheck COVID status after a recent positive test is not recommended, as these kinds of tests can detect small genetic fragments from the virus for weeks to months after an infection that don’t represent infectious virus.

While it may be scary being told to isolate, it’s important to keep in mind that the vast majority of people who have contracted COVID-19 thus far have experienced mild symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, and have recovered fully. That being said, the virus can sometimes cause severe disease and even death. That’s why it’s very important we take the necessary steps to prevent the virus from spreading. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others during your isolation:

• Stay home

Limit your out-of-home activity to medical care and do not go into school or work. You should also avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, and taxis. If you need groceries, try using a meal or grocery delivery service where your food can be dropped off right outside your door.

• Separate yourself

Keep to one room as much as possible if you live with roommates or family members. You should also use a separate bathroom if possible.

• Wear a mask

If you are sick and must go in public or be around other people, it’s important to wear a face mask to prevent spreading the virus. Remember to also put a facemask on before entering the doctor’s office or when traveling to and from your doctor’s appointments. If you don’t have one upon arriving, your provider should provide one for you that you can keep on-hand for transportation home and future use.

• Stay away from pets

In April 2020, two cats in New York became the first household pets in the U.S. to test positive for COVID-19. This is believed to be the result of close contact with infected humans. While there have not been any confirmed reports of pets transmitting COVID-19 to humans, it appears the virus can pass from people to animals. It is recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. If you must care for a pet while you are sick, make sure to wear a face mask and wash your hands before and after interacting with your pet.

• Do not share personal items

To avoid spreading germs, do not share dishes, utensils, towels, or other personal items with other people in your household. Any shared items should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

• Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Exercise

Staying active will keep you both mentally and physically healthy during your isolation. Exercise can help reduce elevated cortisol levels, as well as trigger the release of endorphins, boosting both your mood and immune function. If you are feeling well enough and don’t have active symptoms, try an at-home workout to avoid physical contact with others. Even walking up a few flights of stairs, or having a dance party in your room can be helpful.

• Stay in contact with friends and family

Research shows that quality time with people you care about can boost your happiness level. If you are isolating, try to still connect with your friends and family through video chat or phone calls.

• Monitor your symptoms

If you find your symptoms worsening, contact your primary care provider or reach out to our 24/7 virtual care team. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

If you aren’t sure whether you should isolate, or when to discontinue your isolation, please contact your healthcare provider.