Overview
If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others for up to 10 days. The risk of spread in fully vaccinated people is lower after 5 days, but it still exists.
Isolation helps prevent the spread by reducing the number of people you could infect by staying home and avoiding others. If you test positive or have symptoms not related to a pre-existing condition, it is recommended to isolate as outlined below:
- Fully vaccinated (2 doses or 1 dose Janssen): Starting the first day of symptoms or positive test, it is recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Following isolation, wear a mask at all times when around others outside of home for up to 5 more days (10 total). This means you should eat or drink alone, away from others.
- Not fully vaccinated (1 dose or less): Starting the first day of symptoms or positive test, it is recommended to isolate for 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
- If you test negative and have symptoms, you should still stay home and away from others until symptoms resolve.
Quarantine limits potential spread from people who have been exposed to COVID-19 but have not yet developed symptoms or tested positive.
Need help?
- If you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test at home or take the AHS online assessment to arrange PCR testing.
- Translated resources are available in Af-Soomaali, Arabic, 中文, हिंदी, 한국어, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Español, Français, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt and Urdu. Or call 811 for help.
Who should isolate or quarantine
COVID-19 can take up to 14 days to cause symptoms. Some people who get it only have minor symptoms or don't have any symptoms at all but could still be infectious. Staying home lowers the chance of spreading the virus to others.
How to prepare
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