Should I self-quarantine or self-isolate? How does it work?

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should quarantine and monitor your symptoms to see if you get sick.

If you have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, you should isolate so that you do not pass the virus to others.

If you think you may have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19, it is very important to stay home and limit your interaction with others in your household and in public as much as possible. Stay at least six feet apart from others and avoid having any unnecessary visitors, especially people who are at high risk of severe illness.

If you test positive for COVID-19 you must isolate immediately.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status should:

• Stay home for 5 days
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are getting better after 5 days, you can leave your house
• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
• If you have a fever continue to stay home until your fever resolves

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 you must quarantine.

If you have received a booster dose or completed the 2 dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the past 6 months or received the J&J vaccine in the past 2 months, you should:

• Wear a mask around other people for 10 days
• Test on day 5, if possible
• If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

If you have completed the 2 dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago, or received the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago, and have not received a booster dose or have never been vaccinated you should:

• Stay home for 5 days, After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
• If you can’t quarantine you must wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days
• Test on day 5 if possible
• If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

If you have questions about whether or not you should quarantine, contact your healthcare provider.

If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 or that you have been exposed to the virus, you should consult your place of work for specific guidance about whether to stay home or continue working. You should adhere to recommendations set forth by your employer or the department of health, as they may differ from the CDC’s guidelines.

Visit the CDC website for more information.