If you have tested positive for COVID, when can you stop home isolation?

Per the CDC guidelines, people with COVID-19 (either having tested positive or by a presumed diagnosis by your doctor) who have had symptoms and have been on “self quarantine” at home can stop home isolation after these three things have happened:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
  AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
  AND

• at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

If you tested positive for COVID-19 but did NOT have symptoms, you can stop self-isolation when:

• At least 10 days have passed since your test (as long as you have not developed symptoms since then, in which case you should follow the guidelines above for people WITH symptoms)

For a few days following discontinuation of isolation, these persons should continue to limit contact (stay 6 feet away from others) and limit potential of dispersal of respiratory secretions by wearing a covering for their nose and mouth whenever they are in settings where other people are present. After that, they can follow regular facial covering and social distancing protocols. (July 8, 2020)

Source: CDC “When You Can be Around Others After You Had or Likely Had COVID-19”